Najeh Davenport Cut. One less hurdle for Mendenhall. (1 Viewer)

[BigSteelThrill]

From NFL.com:

Steelers cut veteran running back Davenport

NFL.com Wire Reports

The Steelers cut running back Najeh Davenport on Friday, NFL Network's Adam Schefter is reporting.

Davenport played in 15 games -- starting one -- for the Steelers in 2007, scoring five touchdowns while rushing for 499 yards. Davenport played two seasons for the Steelers after spending the first four years of his career in Green Bay.

 

[Sweet Love]

any ideas where for which team he will be pooping next year?

 

[mightyeskimo]

Mendenhall just keeps looking better. And I'm looking for reasons not to take DMac with the #1 overall.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

any ideas where for which team he will be pooping next year?

Houston may take a sniff.

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

I would think the Cardinals would be ideal. With an unknown in Hightower, the Cardinals are very weak behind Edge, Yes, the same Edge with tons of mileage. The Steeler connection with Whis/Grimm could be enough to keep closets busy in the Phoenix area sometime soon.

 

[houndirish]

Can we get an update on FWP's injury recovery from last year? This has been a strangely quiet subject that hasn't gotten any press. I would've thought with the drafting of Mendenhall we would've at least gotten some FWP updates but I've heard zippy.

Also, am I crazy in thinking Mewelde Moore has any value for this year?

 

[Ozymandias]

Can we get an update on FWP's injury recovery from last year? This has been a strangely quiet subject that hasn't gotten any press. I would've thought with the drafting of Mendenhall we would've at least gotten some FWP updates but I've heard zippy.Also, am I crazy in thinking Mewelde Moore has any value for this year?

Not unless Parker gets injured.

 

[Dirty Weasel]

I know most people see this as a plus for Mendenhall, but it helps FWP too. FWP just isn't going to roll over for Rashard. If FWP had gotten 16 TD's in 2007 and 2 TD's in 2006, instead of the other way around, people wouldn't be so fast to dismiss him.

 

[teamroc]

I know most people see this as a plus for Mendenhall, but it helps FWP too. FWP just isn't going to roll over for Rashard. If FWP had gotten 16 TD's in 2007 and 2 TD's in 2006, instead of the other way around, people wouldn't be so fast to dismiss him.

Normally I'd agree. People weigh the last year far too heavily.BUT...There's a new coach in town. I watched a few Pitt games on NFL Network replay, and they had serious issues in the RZ. Against the Pats they were 1st and goal inside the 5, and couldn't score. They didn't even run the ball (or maybe once w/ 3 passes). They don't have any condifence in short yardage, and there were always questions about Parker wearing down during the year (weight loss). Combine that with a new coach, Parker is clearly out of short yardage/goal line. And I can see Parker moving to a 10-12 carry guy, keep fresh, big play. It doesn't help he got hurt, and for them to invest a 1st in a RB, they must have considered it a fairly big issue to address. I'm sure someone can check it, but Pitt was probably fairly bad in the RZ last year, at least rushing. Add in the fumbles, I'm not sure the current coaching staff has as much faith in Parker as the old coaching staff. Which is never a good thing.One reson not to write off Parker is the fact Mendenhall could be a complete bust. People assume 1st round rookie RB means instant success. Parker might be the better RB. Until Mendenhall proves he can play at the NFL level (which might be never) Parker is still the guy. But the new coach in town in my mind is still a good reason to be down on Parker long term.

 

[faulkfan]

Mendenhall just keeps looking better. And I'm looking for reasons not to take DMac with the #1 overall.

I actually see this move as an endorsement for Fast Willie P. You have to figure that the Steelers feel good that he'll be back at full strength since they are cutting some of their depth. I do still love Mendenhall (especially as an Illini fan), but this makes me think Willie will be back and ready to go.

 

[Duke1948]

could be they like what they see in Gary Russell and he is probably cheaper than Davenport.

 

[UnknownCoach]

could be they like what they see in Gary Russell and he is probably cheaper than Davenport.

He's definately cheaper but there are another 100 Russells out there they could pick up just as easily. This move is the result of drafting Mendenhall. He will be the COP to Parker assumeing he doesnt take over the starting role this year. That was Davenport's job. Russell is only depth.

 

[bcr8f]

any ideas where for which team he will be pooping next year?

I never heard that joke before. Geez. Will it never end?Getting back on topic Najeh was never a hurdle for Mendenhall. Not really. Davenport was never a power back except when compared to Parker.

 

[Mr. Peterson]

I thought Davenport looked really good when given the chance last year. He'll be able to find work. His value just depends on what team he goes to.

I think he could make an immediate impact on the Jets, Bears, Cards, Browns, and Bucs.

 

[Irish]

could be they like what they see in Gary Russell and he is probably cheaper than Davenport.

I think it is more to do with the signing of Mewelde Moore to play the 3rd down role. Davenport was not a bad 3rd down type back, where he really struggled despite his size is in short yardage situations.

 

[Bri]

could be they like what they see in Gary Russell and he is probably cheaper than Davenport.

I think it is more to do with the signing of Mewelde Moore to play the 3rd down role. Davenport was not a bad 3rd down type back, where he really struggled despite his size is in short yardage situations.

Russell and/or a decent FB can get Najeh's main job done.For example, I believe the Rams FB was 9 for 10 on 3rd and 1 last year. You've seen the Pats give Heath Evans the rock to bust thru for a first down. Najeh's backup RB role was taken the day they drafted Mendenhall. His short yardage job seems to have been lost now too.Moore has some ST value in addition to his 3rd down back value. They may not need him to return kicks or punts but it's nice to have options. FWIW I still think it's possible he gets cut later in the summer. Pitt has some serious depth at RB now and whenever a team has good depth they do seem to cut a decent player on that final roster cut. If some young guy busts his tail, is willing to play FB, return kicks, and tackle on ST, maybe Mewelde is less valuable? Even the term 3rd down back might be questionable in Pitt in 2008. If you're the coach and Fast Willie has been in on 1st and 2nd, are you putting Mendenhall in or Mewelde? Mewelde's still got work to do impressing the Steelers