Mendenhall’s rookie season came to a “crashing” halt last year, thanks to a monster hit by Ray Lewis. Yet, I know A LOT of people will be on the Mendenhall bandwagon this year, so I think it will be HARD to get good value on him. And let’s be honest; there are an awful lot of questions regarding Mendenhall. He’s only been able to win the starting job outright once in the last 4 years. In addition, with Willie Parker and a more than capable Mewelde Moore still in the fold, this could be another NY Giants scenario with Mendenhall doing his best impression of Ahmad Bradshaw circa 2008. And then that hit. Mentally, will he be able to put that behind him? Despite all these concerns, I have a feeling that someone will be grabbing him in the fifth-sixth rounds. It just won’t be me.
(’09 Proj: 560 total yds, 5 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
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Though he was one of the most highly regarded tailbacks in the 2008 NFL draft, Mendenhall missed out on the Year of the Rookie Runner after breaking his shoulder in Week 4. The injury has healed, but his role in the Steelers’ offense will remain unclear until next summer due to the team’s depth at running back.
('09 Proj: 75 carries, 500 total yds, 5 touchdowns) ~Stan Feldman
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He experienced some bad luck when rookie season was cut short by injury, but Mendenhall couldn't ask to be in a better situation. If he can stay healthy, he may not only be the Steelers' goal line back, but he could relegate Mewelde Moore back to a third down role this year. Willie Parker turns 29 in November, so Mendenhall will be given every opportunity to showcase himself as Pittsburgh's eventual RB of the future.
('09 Proj: 150 carries, 610 yds, 4 touchdowns) ~Frank Mazzola
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The first rounder out of Illinois had his promising rookie year ended unceremoniously by Ray Lewis, welcome to the NFL kid! He will be back and should be able to become the primary backup to Fast Willie. Parker will remain #1 but the Steelers didn’t use a first round pick on a back to stand one the sideline. His role will increase as the season wears on. If you draft Parker, lock him with this future stud.
('09 Proj: 525 yds, 4 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
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The above is sound advice across the board. I personally wouldn't be surprised if Mendenhall doesn't carve out a bigger niche for himself than is even described above. He is easily the most powerful RB on the Steelers roster, which will lock him into early down carries sooner rather than later. At season's end he'll be the attempts leader for Pittsburgh.
('09 Proj: 200 carries, 865 yds, 7 touchdowns) ~Rick Perkins.
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The talented rookie only carried the ball in two games last season before being placed on IR after week four but he is only 22 and is still being groomed to be the Steelers future feature back. Willie Parker only had a 3.8 ypc average last season on 210 carries so the Steelers would love to see a healthy Mendenhall step up this season. Still this is shaping up as a “shared carries” season.
('09 Proj: 200 carries, 770 yds, 4 touchdowns) ~Robb Perkins
