Rashard Mendenhall Is A Beast

Our sources tell us that they saw what they hoped they’d see out of Steelers first round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall in his preseason NFL debut against the Philadelphia Eagles – the makings of the NFL’s next great featured back. It may seem hard to tell in only seven carries, but our sources are convinced that the 5’11”, 225 pound versatile power back will replace Willie Parker sooner rather than later in the Steelers’ offense. Read more

PIT: Top rookies expected for camp

Rashard Mendenhall (RB) 7/23: Top rookies Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed are expected to be signed prior to the start of training camp Sunday, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Coach Mike Tomlin said, "We don't anticipate any of these guys having hold ups as far as participating." No-Offseason Take: See where Mendenhall and Sweed rank in our dynasty rookie rankings.

Fantasy Analytics Discusses Rookie RBs

With preseason activities gaining momentum, there is a definite need for quality rookie analysis as it pertains to the world of fantasy football. In an attempt to meet this need, Fantasy Football Analytics has partnered with No-Offseason.com on a 3-piece series, providing you the information you need to know before acquiring any of these rookies in dynasty leagues or deep keeper leagues. This first segment covers the quarterback and tight end positions and assigns each player discussed a letter grade for their dynasty league/deep keeper league value. Please be aware that these grades represent the long-term value of the players in question and not only the 2008 season. Read more

Anthony Gonzalez Is A Difference Maker

As the analysis of our most recent expert mock continues, clear cut sleeper options continue to reveal themselves. Find out why it’s so important to keep your head in the game throughout the mid-rounds of your drafts. Read more

Willie Parker Is Confident In Health…

Steelers 27 year old RB Willie Parker feels like he’s recovered from a fractured fibula. The thing is though, that he’s been extremely limited in practice. He recently told media that he’d be out there going 100 percent if it were the season. We’re a little nervous about Parker this season. We believe Rashard Mendenhall may be the true RB to own in Pittsburgh this season.

Rashard Mendenhall Returns…

Steelers rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall participated in individual drills on Wednesday despite a hamstring injury. He likely won’t go full speed any time soon, as a precautionary measure. The Steelers believe he’ll be 100 percent by training camp and that has to be their focus at this point.

As for seasonal fantasy outlook for Mendenhall, we’re starting to like him a lot. We realize he has a ceiling with Willie Parker as the starter, but he’s talented enough to land a “1A” role, and produce enough to be a flex starter in deep leagues.

We’re Not Worried About Mendenhall…

Yeah, Steelers rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall was robbed at gunpoint, then tweaked his hammy within the first week of being a Steeler…and yeah, he still is suffering from his hammy injury, but we believe that Pittsburgh is just taking it easy with him.

He should be ready for training camp, and we believe he’ll be a pleasant surprise to fantasy owners in his rookie season. Oh yeah, and in dynasty leagues, he’s definitely a top two pick in rookie drafts.

2008 Outlook: Welcome To Splittsville

Following the 2008 NFL Draft, it appears several more NFL teams will not only be using the dreaded “running back by committee,” but they’ll really be splitting reps up evenly between multiple rushers. For fantasy owners, it’s worked in New Orleans, Dallas and Jacksonville, but will the vision of NFL coaches in Carolina, Pittsburgh, Tennessee and Houston translate into the same results? Read more

Rashard Mendenhall Robbed At Gunpoint…

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall was robbed at gunpoint at 2 a.m. this morning, apparently, but was not hurt.

This happened in Chicago after the Steelers broke from mini-camp. He will report back to Pittsburgh on May 16.

Mendenhall Injures Hamstring…

Rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall couldn’t make it through the week of mini-camps without sustaining an injury. The rookie tweaked his hamstring and sat out the rest of the practices.

This shouldn’t be a huge deal when training camp comes around, but it’s something to monitor, as these types of injuries can nag.

Mendenhall Update; Davenport To Be Released…

The Steelers selected Illinois’ RB Rashard Mendenhall with the 23rd pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, a surprising selection, considering the Steelers already had Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore and Najeh Davenport. Mendenhall was a talent that the Steelers’ organization just couldn’t pass on, however, and as a result, they’ll need to make room for another RB on the roster.

We’re hearing that Najeh Davenport will be that casualty. The 29 year old Davenport has had run-ins with the law over the last few years, and while he’s very talented, his work ethic has been questioned by the coaches though, as he tends to disappear at times.

Mendenhall is expected to split time with Willie Parker, who is recovering from a broken fibula. While Parker will likely start, the rookie will see just as many reps.

Top Dynasty League Rookie Prospects

Since the completion of the 2008 NFL Draft, the number one question that I’ve been asked by fantasy owners is - “how do you rank this year’s rookies for dynasty drafts?” Obviously, this is a very different question than asking - “which rookies will have the best statistical seasons in 2008?” Read more