Inconsistent running back who can go over 100 yards one week and turn around and get 25 yards or worse, get hurt. With 2008 first round pick Rashard Mendenhall returning from a season ending injury, Parker’s long term value takes big hit downwards. This year, look for the Steelers to initially go with Parker, but know they will try to implement Mendenhall as much as possible. This could be a running back by committee where no one wins.
('09 Proj: 970 yds, 6 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
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“Fast Willie” started off last year with a bang, notching two 100+ yard efforts, then fought through injuries and ended up with a season that didn’t meet his owners’ expectations. Unfortunately, his age (29), his propensity to take contact and Rashard Mendenhall being worked into the mix all mean that he’ll likely face a similar story from now on. His days as a top ten running back are almost certainly over.
(‘09 Proj: 225 att, 850 yds, 5 touchdowns) ~Frank Mazzola
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The problem with Willie Parker is that he's fallen victim to the injury bug. He hasn't played a full season in two years. Yes, he has a knack for the big play and sports two Super Bowl rings, but you'll be overpaying for him if you decide to draft him. He's a No. 3 running back at best. I live in Pennsylvania so I might get killed for this trader take...
('09 Proj: 240 att, 950 yds, 4 touchdowns) ~John Kezer
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Only started eleven games last year due to injury but started the year with a 25 carry, 138 yard, 3-touchdown game that had owners salivating! Mendenhall will be back and steal some touches but Fast Willie will once again carry a big load in the backfield for the defending champs. I wouldn’t want to rely on him as my #1 though.
('09 Proj: 1,300 total yds, 8 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
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The intoxication of FWP. So much speed, so little health. Parker has broken down in each of his last two seasons, and I don’t see that trend ending in 2009 as he’ll be 29-years-old. In addition, I think Rashaard Mendenhall is healthy and working in tandem with Fast Willie.
('09 Proj: 220 att, 900 total yds, 4 touchdowns) ~Jeremy Fischer
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Fast Willie is not a #1 fantasy back, hell if we're being honest he’s not a #1 NFL running back. He’s seen his per carry average drop in each year of his career, dropping to a very pedestrian 3.8 last season. With Rashard Mendenhall back in the mix this season I look for Parker’s numbers to be similar to his 2008 totals.
('09 Proj: 200 att, 789 yds, 4 touchdowns, 18 rec, 126 rec yds, 0 TD's) ~Robb Perkins
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Yeah, this looks like a withering situation here for the Steelers offense. That might be a harsh judgement to pass onto a team fresh off a Super Bowl win, but the fact remains only Matt Cassel was sacked more than Ben Roethlisberger in '08. Hines Ward, far and away the teams best receiving option (due respect to Santonio Holmes) turned 33 last month and yards per carry have dipped across the board for Parker yet again. This offensive line is in desperate need of some TLC via the draft over the next couple of years. I feel I'm being optimistic even cut/pasting last's season's crappy campaign.
('09 Proj: 210 att, 791 yds, 5 touchdowns) ~Rick Perkins
