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Rashard Mendenhall is a consensus mid- to late-first round pick. Depending on scoring system, we've currently got him ranked as high as 7th. Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, though, would probably rank him a bit higher.
Arians used to work in Indianapolis, where he got to see both Marshall Faulk and Edgerrin James play. He thinks Mendenhall compares favorably to both of them.
"He is a good combination of both those guys," Arians says. "He has that kind of skill set. There is no doubt he can do what those two did."
High praise. Running backs coach Kirby Wilson goes on to say that Mendenhall should be a full-time player: "There are not a lot of those types of players in the NFL that can play in every situation. He is capable physically and athletically to play in all those areas."
Personally I've had my doubts about Mendenhall; hesitant to select him late in the first round of a couple of experts drafts. But Arians makes a compelling case. Could be one of the season's breakout players.
--Andy Richardson
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Posted by Robert Heater | Aug. 21 at 03:07 AM
Definite hyperbole from Arians. In this case I love the role more than the player. Send me the elite WR!
Posted by KEVIN WEAKLAND | Aug. 21 at 03:08 PM
you guys have Mendenhall ranked higher than D. Williams, Benson and Greene (ydg + TD rankings) but I don't see it. I had him last year on my team and he was good but I also had both Benson and Grant on my team and they did better. I would switch between Mendenhall and Barber last season as my third RB. You've reported that Pitt doesn't have the running attack it used to have and yet you have him ranked that high??? I don't see it. Matter of fact you bumped Portis up to 14 on your cheat sheet this time as well and from whay I read Shanny isn't even convinced he'll be the number 1 in DC. You juggled around your rankings alot this last update and I have to say I dunno bout your changes. slipping Gore down to 6 and putting Smith (Car) up to the 10th best WR wow tell me who is throwing the ball to Smith again? and personally I think Carolina will be one of the worst 5 teams in the league this year. I've been with you guys sine 1987 but I have to say this latest update of yours is a head scratcher