Mendenhall and McFadden (1 Viewer)

[albuddah]

going into this past season, the top three rookie rbs by most rankings were mcfadden, jonathan stewart, and mendenhall. stewart is clearly been the front-runner of the three, but what are people's reactions to mcfadden and mendenhall after a season? is mcfadden still a supertalented player in waiting? does mendenhall still warrant any sort of fantasy consideration? are these two backs any better than any of the rookies coming in this year?

 

[Londo]

I give Mendenhall a bit of a pass due to the injury, but he did not look that great to me in limited reps.

McFadden has looked injury-prone. Not enough data, but I would be worried as a dynasty owner.

Stewart looked solid in his role, and has a lot of promise.

Forte, Johnson, Smith, Slaton - lots of talent and promise.

Hightower - ? I still like the guy, but he is a hard one to peg. I would love to have seen the Cards use the blocking schemes and plays they are using now, when Hightower was starting at midseason.

This rookie class was sick. Just sick.

 

[JohnnyU]

I give Mendenhall a bit of a pass due to the injury, but he did not look that great to me in limited reps. McFadden has looked injury-prone. Not enough data, but I would be worried as a dynasty owner. Stewart looked solid in his role, and has a lot of promise. Forte, Johnson, Smith, Slaton - lots of talent and promise. Hightower - ? I still like the guy, but he is a hard one to peg. I would love to have seen the Cards use the blocking schemes and plays they are using now, when Hightower was starting at midseason. This rookie class was sick. Just sick.

When the dust settles, Mendenhall will have performed better than both Smith and Slaton. The cream will rise to the top IMO. As for McFadden, I still stand by my orginal statements about him that he's overrated.

 

[Londo]

I give Mendenhall a bit of a pass due to the injury, but he did not look that great to me in limited reps. McFadden has looked injury-prone. Not enough data, but I would be worried as a dynasty owner. Stewart looked solid in his role, and has a lot of promise. Forte, Johnson, Smith, Slaton - lots of talent and promise. Hightower - ? I still like the guy, but he is a hard one to peg. I would love to have seen the Cards use the blocking schemes and plays they are using now, when Hightower was starting at midseason. This rookie class was sick. Just sick.

When the dust settles, Mendenhall will have performed better than both Smith and Slaton. The cream will rise to the top IMO. As for McFadden, I still stand by my orginal statements about him that he's overrated.

Neither would surprise me one bit.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Don't forget Felix Jones.

Mendenhall is basically going to be a rookie again next year. I'd take him as a 4/5th rb in fantasy personally.

McFadden could be good value in drafts next imo, but he's going to be sharing with Bush and maybe Fargas.

 

[JohnnyU]

Don't forget Felix Jones.

Mendenhall is basically going to be a rookie again next year. I'd take him as a 4/5th rb in fantasy personally.

McFadden could be good value in drafts next imo, but he's going to be sharing with Bush and maybe Fargas.

Look for Bush to have a new address next year.

 

[Nemesis]

Prior to the playoffs, Mendehall's chances were looking good going into this offseason. However, with WParker's resurgence in the past couple of games, I'm not as optimistic for RH going into 2009.

However, you never know if Pitt feels that Parker is too injury prone to handle the load by himself for a full season. My guess is they keep Parker and Mendenhall fresh and run a more even "Thunder and Lightning" RBBC and look to upgrade their run blocking OL in the offseason and reduce the hits that Big Ben has been taking this season.

 

[Wilbur Wood]

The reality is that, at best, Stewart, McFadden and Mendenhall will be members of a RBBC in 2009. The most likely outcome is that all three are on the "short side" of such RBBC situations.

Dynasty owners can wax poetic about the long term merits of these three all they want, but if after Year 2 their lifetime production still pales to that of Johnson, Forte, Slaton and even Smith, the reality is that it is very, very likely that they will be inferior career fantasy RBs to those from the 2008 class that were drafted behind them.

Opportunity does matter!! And it matters most, by far, at the RB slot.

 

[treat88]

My guess is they keep Parker and Mendenhall fresh and run a more even "Thunder and Lightning" RBBC and look to upgrade their run blocking OL in the offseason and reduce the hits that Big Ben has been taking this season.

My guess as well. Although I do believe Parker will still receive the lion's share of the carries. Russell as the GL/SY runner only complicates the picture further.

 

[Banger]

Prior to the playoffs, Mendehall's chances were looking good going into this offseason. However, with WParker's resurgence in the past couple of games, I'm not as optimistic for RH going into 2009.However, you never know if Pitt feels that Parker is too injury prone to handle the load by himself for a full season. My guess is they keep Parker and Mendenhall fresh and run a more even "Thunder and Lightning" RBBC and look to upgrade their run blocking OL in the offseason and reduce the hits that Big Ben has been taking this season.

nor did they look great this year but with FWP getting dinged up Mendy could've been a good contributor if he hadn't gotten knocked out for the season in the 1st qtr of his 1st start. Instead Moore ended up being a good contributor. Look how long it took for D. Williams to get his shot and really break through. The guy got injured it happens and I'll be looking to throw him on my roster late in the draft (as it stands now).

 

[Evilgrin 72]

My guess is they keep Parker and Mendenhall fresh and run a more even "Thunder and Lightning" RBBC and look to upgrade their run blocking OL in the offseason and reduce the hits that Big Ben has been taking this season.

My guess as well. Although I do believe Parker will still receive the lion's share of the carries. Russell as the GL/SY runner only complicates the picture further.

I agree.. though there's a chance the Steelers will use Mendenhall as the GL back next year if they don't want to roster that many backs and Russell goes by the wayside.

 

[Rockchild]

Any concern about Mendenhall playing tentative coming back from a fractured shoulder?

 

[Moe Green]

Don't forget Felix Jones.

Or Tashard Choice for that matter.This year's rookie RB class WAS sick. Great talent to be had.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Any concern about Mendenhall playing tentative coming back from a fractured shoulder?

Im not sure how much more tenative he could get. Maybe with the fear of another shoulder injury he will try to find a hole instead of putting his head down and running straight into contact.

 

[CalBear]

The reality is that, at best, Stewart, McFadden and Mendenhall will be members of a RBBC in 2009. The most likely outcome is that all three are on the "short side" of such RBBC situations.Dynasty owners can wax poetic about the long term merits of these three all they want, but if after Year 2 their lifetime production still pales to that of Johnson, Forte, Slaton and even Smith, the reality is that it is very, very likely that they will be inferior career fantasy RBs to those from the 2008 class that were drafted behind them.Opportunity does matter!! And it matters most, by far, at the RB slot.

Opportunity changes very quickly. Anthony Thomas had a rookie season very similar to Forte's--where is he now? Willie Parker was third on the depth chart. Talent will rise to the top.McFadden will be in RBBC, but I can't imagine that he'll be any less than the #1 in Oakland in 2009. Stewart and Mendenhall both have to deal with RBs who may be better than they are; since McFadden is also the most talented of those three, he's likely to do the best.

 

[JAA]

I give Mendenhall a bit of a pass due to the injury, but he did not look that great to me in limited reps. McFadden has looked injury-prone. Not enough data, but I would be worried as a dynasty owner. Stewart looked solid in his role, and has a lot of promise. Forte, Johnson, Smith, Slaton - lots of talent and promise. Hightower - ? I still like the guy, but he is a hard one to peg. I would love to have seen the Cards use the blocking schemes and plays they are using now, when Hightower was starting at midseason. This rookie class was sick. Just sick.

When the dust settles, Mendenhall will have performed better than both Smith and Slaton. The cream will rise to the top IMO. As for McFadden, I still stand by my orginal statements about him that he's overrated.

wowquite the Mendenhall pimper here

 

[Godsbrother]

Any concern about Mendenhall playing tentative coming back from a fractured shoulder?

My biggest concern about Mendenhall is that he seems to have isolated himself from the team since his injury. I've heard stories that he occassionally comes in for rehab and to workout but that he doesn't go to meetings, practices or even the games despite living in Pittsburgh.From what I understand the Steelers do not require players on IR to do these things but you would think a rookie would want to be involved and learn a few things. In contrast veteran Charlie Batch goes to the team meetings and is seen frequently on the sideline talking to Ben Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon.I suppose I am making something out of nothing but I think if I were an injured rookie on a team making a playoff run I would want to be part of it.

 

[Donny Loved Bowling]

Don't forget Felix Jones.

Or Tashard Choice for that matter.This year's rookie RB class WAS sick. Great talent to be had.

Plus Ryan Torain...

 

[awesomeness]

Any concern about Mendenhall playing tentative coming back from a fractured shoulder?

My biggest concern about Mendenhall is that he seems to have isolated himself from the team since his injury. I've heard stories that he occassionally comes in for rehab and to workout but that he doesn't go to meetings, practices or even the games despite living in Pittsburgh.From what I understand the Steelers do not require players on IR to do these things but you would think a rookie would want to be involved and learn a few things. In contrast veteran Charlie Batch goes to the team meetings and is seen frequently on the sideline talking to Ben Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon.I suppose I am making something out of nothing but I think if I were an injured rookie on a team making a playoff run I would want to be part of it.

If thats true that is very discouraging. He would have been able to learn a lot and gain chemistry with the team. Based on talent alone, i would rather have Mendenhall on my team. I'm not a big fan of straight line runners hence my dislike for McFadden and Beanie Wells of this years draft. Though if Mendenhall has character issues that effects my ranking of him negatively.

 

[broncofan13000]

Where do people put DMC and Mendy in relation to this years rookie picks? DMC = 1.2? Mendy = 1.5?

 

[Burning Sensation]

Where do people put DMC and Mendy in relation to this years rookie picks? DMC = 1.2? Mendy = 1.5?

Mcfadden, 1.1Mendenhall, early-mid 2nd

 

[CrossEyed]

Any concern about Mendenhall playing tentative coming back from a fractured shoulder?

My biggest concern about Mendenhall is that he seems to have isolated himself from the team since his injury. I've heard stories that he occassionally comes in for rehab and to workout but that he doesn't go to meetings, practices or even the games despite living in Pittsburgh.From what I understand the Steelers do not require players on IR to do these things but you would think a rookie would want to be involved and learn a few things. In contrast veteran Charlie Batch goes to the team meetings and is seen frequently on the sideline talking to Ben Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon.I suppose I am making something out of nothing but I think if I were an injured rookie on a team making a playoff run I would want to be part of it.

That's discouraging to hear. What else does he have to do? Why wouldn't you want to learn as much as you can this year and start becoming a part of the team as much as you can?

 

[tuttiface]

Where do people put DMC and Mendy in relation to this years rookie picks? DMC = 1.2? Mendy = 1.5? :X

Mcfadden, 1.1Mendenhall, early-mid 2nd

Pittsburgh will give Mendenhall is opportunity, I doubt they will draft another early round RB. IMO, he's AGAIN a year away from becoming the load carrying RB. I would put him as a late first round pick in 2009 in a rookie draftFor PPR leagues, i would put DMac as 1.1 or 1.2 behind Crabtree. Turf toe can become a nagging injury, but by taking all precautions (stiffer shoe etc.), it can be treated. He looked pretty decent in his final 3-4 games of the season. I believe he'll still be a top FF RB in this league, specially in PPR leagues.

 

[analog_hiss]

Any concern about Mendenhall playing tentative coming back from a fractured shoulder?

My biggest concern about Mendenhall is that he seems to have isolated himself from the team since his injury. I've heard stories that he occassionally comes in for rehab and to workout but that he doesn't go to meetings, practices or even the games despite living in Pittsburgh.From what I understand the Steelers do not require players on IR to do these things but you would think a rookie would want to be involved and learn a few things. In contrast veteran Charlie Batch goes to the team meetings and is seen frequently on the sideline talking to Ben Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon.

I suppose I am making something out of nothing but I think if I were an injured rookie on a team making a playoff run I would want to be part of it.

Bouchette wrote about this a week ago:

The disappearing No. 1

Rashard Mendenhall, where art thou? That's what some of his teammates want to know. The Steelers' No. 1 draft pick last April has been seen only on occasion by them since his shoulder was broken in the fourth game of the season.

At first, doctors thought he might need surgery but they later diagnosed that it would heal with proper rehabilitation. By all accounts, he's doing that. But his teammates would like to see him more often, and he does live here. "Out of sight, out of mind," one of them said.

Others on injured reserve have been around the team's facility all season, most notably veteran quarterback Charlie Batch, who is in the locker room daily. Punter Daniel Sepulveda, whose ACL was torn in training camp, is around often, as is long-snapper Greg Warren, tight end Jon Dekker and linebacker Arnold Harrison, as examples.

Mendenhall, though, has not been seen much by his teammates. He's not required to be there, but the Steelers have plenty invested in him, not only in money but perhaps the future of their running game. He cannot play and cannot practice, but he could have been learning in their team meetings and even getting to know his teammates a little by coming around once in awhile.

 

[Rockchild]

Any concern about Mendenhall playing tentative coming back from a fractured shoulder?

My biggest concern about Mendenhall is that he seems to have isolated himself from the team since his injury. I've heard stories that he occassionally comes in for rehab and to workout but that he doesn't go to meetings, practices or even the games despite living in Pittsburgh.From what I understand the Steelers do not require players on IR to do these things but you would think a rookie would want to be involved and learn a few things. In contrast veteran Charlie Batch goes to the team meetings and is seen frequently on the sideline talking to Ben Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon.

I suppose I am making something out of nothing but I think if I were an injured rookie on a team making a playoff run I would want to be part of it.

Bouchette wrote about this a week ago:

The disappearing No. 1

Rashard Mendenhall, where art thou? That's what some of his teammates want to know. The Steelers' No. 1 draft pick last April has been seen only on occasion by them since his shoulder was broken in the fourth game of the season.

At first, doctors thought he might need surgery but they later diagnosed that it would heal with proper rehabilitation. By all accounts, he's doing that. But his teammates would like to see him more often, and he does live here. "Out of sight, out of mind," one of them said.

Others on injured reserve have been around the team's facility all season, most notably veteran quarterback Charlie Batch, who is in the locker room daily. Punter Daniel Sepulveda, whose ACL was torn in training camp, is around often, as is long-snapper Greg Warren, tight end Jon Dekker and linebacker Arnold Harrison, as examples.

Mendenhall, though, has not been seen much by his teammates. He's not required to be there, but the Steelers have plenty invested in him, not only in money but perhaps the future of their running game. He cannot play and cannot practice, but he could have been learning in their team meetings and even getting to know his teammates a little by coming around once in awhile.

This is more worrisome than any tentativeness coming back from injury. Good info.

 

[awesomeness]

Any concern about Mendenhall playing tentative coming back from a fractured shoulder?

My biggest concern about Mendenhall is that he seems to have isolated himself from the team since his injury. I've heard stories that he occassionally comes in for rehab and to workout but that he doesn't go to meetings, practices or even the games despite living in Pittsburgh.From what I understand the Steelers do not require players on IR to do these things but you would think a rookie would want to be involved and learn a few things. In contrast veteran Charlie Batch goes to the team meetings and is seen frequently on the sideline talking to Ben Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon.

I suppose I am making something out of nothing but I think if I were an injured rookie on a team making a playoff run I would want to be part of it.

Bouchette wrote about this a week ago:

The disappearing No. 1

Rashard Mendenhall, where art thou? That's what some of his teammates want to know. The Steelers' No. 1 draft pick last April has been seen only on occasion by them since his shoulder was broken in the fourth game of the season.

At first, doctors thought he might need surgery but they later diagnosed that it would heal with proper rehabilitation. By all accounts, he's doing that. But his teammates would like to see him more often, and he does live here. "Out of sight, out of mind," one of them said.

Others on injured reserve have been around the team's facility all season, most notably veteran quarterback Charlie Batch, who is in the locker room daily. Punter Daniel Sepulveda, whose ACL was torn in training camp, is around often, as is long-snapper Greg Warren, tight end Jon Dekker and linebacker Arnold Harrison, as examples.

Mendenhall, though, has not been seen much by his teammates. He's not required to be there, but the Steelers have plenty invested in him, not only in money but perhaps the future of their running game. He cannot play and cannot practice, but he could have been learning in their team meetings and even getting to know his teammates a little by coming around once in awhile.