When the Steelers used their #1 draft pick on running back Rashard Mendenhall, most of fantasy nation saw the writing on the wall for Fast Willie Parker. He immediately dropped down draft lists, as Mendenhall was seen as an "every down back" that would certainly take short yardage and goal-line carries away from FWP. Parker was taken as the #20 RB in drafts, on average.
Ah, but here is a case where we need to pay attention in the pre-season. Mendenhall's chronic fumbling in the pre-season have taken him out of the offensive game plan, at least in the early season. He is now being looked at on kickoffs (a role typically not given to a player that is an integral part of the offense), and coach Mike Tomlin has said "We're looking at his preparation this week, his attention to detail in terms of how he executes his assignments, and his level of ball security." In other words, they are not going to give critical carries to a fumbler.
So it looks like FWP will be an every-down back again, with Carey Davis the only possible third-down back. There is still a possibility that Mendenhall will get worked into the offense as the season progresses, but if Parker gets off to a fast start, he could hold the every-down role all year. I think that most of the owners that picked up Parker in th emiddle of their draft are going to end up very happy with the results.
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