Steelers Need Depth at Running Back

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Steelers Need Depth at Running Back

The latest buzz we are hearing throughout the NFL draft landscape

Wes Bunting
APRIL 16, 2011


• Auburn running back Mario Fannin is generating a lot of interest as a potential later round, third-down type back. Teams love his ability to help out in blitz pick-up and catch the football out of the backfield. Hearing he’s getting long looks from the Patriots, Redskins, Steelers, Dolphins and Bengals.

[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFL-draft-rumors-7383.html"]http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFL ... -7383.html[/url]

[Shawn]

Re: Steelers Need Depth at Running Back

I thought you guys thought Dwyer was the second coming???

We have many greater needs than at RB. I agree with the OP...we don't need to be taking any RB's before the fifth round.

You base your evaluation of Dwyer on what?

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Re: Steelers Need Depth at Running Back

I thought you guys thought Dwyer was the second coming???

We have many greater needs than at RB. I agree with the OP...we don't need to be taking any RB's before the fifth round.

You base your evaluation of Dwyer on what?

On the fact that the team decided to keep him on the final roster. He's good enough for "depth." Look, we have Mendenhall and Redman, and probably could re-up Moore for another round. If we can't sign Moore, then it shouldn't be too much problem to pick up a decent low-level FA for "depth."

Meanwhile, we need serious help at CB, FS, and OG; we are going to need replacements soon at DT, DE, ILB and OT. But go ahead, spend a high pick on a RB. Shoot, draft a couple of them. While you're at it, why not spend two or three picks to try to snag that pass-catching TE everyone is talking about.

[Chadman]

Re: Steelers Need Depth at Running Back

As far as back-up/3rd down RB's go, if Mewelde Moore proves to be too expensive/not effective enough- Chadman is quite happy to roll with a used Cadillac...


Just sayin'...



Then you can use your draft picks to pick up the extra 5 TE's Bradshaw's Hairdresser would love to see...

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Steelers Need Depth at Running Back

Sources: Saints allowed Bush to gauge interest

By Jason Cole, Yahoo! Sports
June 17, 2011



Reggie Bush has not lived up to the lofty expectations.
(AP Photo)

The New Orleans Saints gave running back Reggie Bush permission in February to talk to other teams and gauge his value as the franchise and Bush tried to work out a restructured contract, according to three NFL sources.

Bush and agent Joel Segal were told that a number of teams would be interested in paying him handsomely, or at least more than the Saints have apparently been willing to offer at this point. That is one of the reasons that Bush has made contradictory statements about his future in New Orleans and didn’t participate in offseason workouts with Saints players. The expectation from Bush, according to the sources, is that he will be playing for another team next season.

The Saints did not respond to two emails requesting comment.

Among the most likely candidates for Bush’s services, according to one of the sources, are the Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks and the New York Giants. Miami and Pittsburgh are looking to add speed on offense. Seattle is coached by Pete Carroll, Bush’s former coach at USC. The Giants’ interest would depend on whether the team is able to keep running back Ahmad Bradshaw once free agency starts.

In addition, the Philadelphia Eagles have expressed strong interest in Bush. However, Bush is unlikely to sign there because of concerns about having a potentially limited role.

The Eagles already have explosive wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, a starting running back in LeSean McCoy and drafted speedy running back Dion Lewis in April’s NFL draft.

Bush said in January that his future with the team would likely depend on whether he and the team could work out a new deal. Bush is scheduled to make an $11.8 million base salary in 2011. It’s believed that the Saints want to cut his salary by more than half.

Over the past two seasons, Bush, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 draft, has become a role player. He has missed 10 games because of injury and been limited to only 106 carries and 81 receptions in the regular season. He has scored a total of nine rushing and receiving touchdowns, but remains an explosive player.

However, the Saints appear set on getting back to a more conventional running game that was part of their run to a Super Bowl title in 2009. The team selected running back Mark Ingram in the first round of this year’s draft. Ingram is a more prototypical, bell-cow running back.

After the Saints drafted Ingram, Bush wrote via Twitter, “It’s been fun New Orleans.” Bush then later made an effort to be polite and backtracked a little, saying he hoped to end his career as a Saint.

[url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-cole_bush_allowed_to_gauge_interest_061711"]http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=j ... est_061711[/url]

[Snatch98]

Re: Steelers Need Depth at Running Back

Sign me up. I said before I'd take Bush in a second for the right price. He'd be DYNAMIC with Ben under center and some improvisation.

[Oviedo]

Re: Steelers Need Depth at Running Back

Sign me up. I said before I'd take Bush in a second for the right price. He'd be DYNAMIC with Ben under center and some improvisation.

Bush would be an intriguing addition but highly unlikely since someone will way overpay for him. Miami is more desperate than we are at RB and they probably have lots more cap space.

[Snatch98]

Re: Steelers Need Depth at Running Back

Sign me up. I said before I'd take Bush in a second for the right price. He'd be DYNAMIC with Ben under center and some improvisation.

Bush would be an intriguing addition but highly unlikely since someone will way overpay for him. Miami is more desperate than we are at RB and they probably have lots more cap space.

I don't believe anyone is going to over pay for him as he's proven NOT to be a every down type. I think you'll see Bush factor in winning and that may remove Miami from the equation. Either way if we're interested in him AT ALL it means he must not be asking for the sun and the moon. It's obviously not our style to overpay our own players, let alone free agents.

[ikestops85]

Re: Steelers Need Depth at Running Back

I think Bush would obviously improve our stable of running backs but if he wants starter money then I think it's a no go. The guy is a great 3rd down specialist and a great punt returner but he is injury prone and would never be the every down back.

Just like everyone else if the money is right I'd love to have him but the chances of that happening are very slim. Besides, I am very happy with the backs we currently have and if Batch comes in and shows he can take over MM's role all the better.

[Oviedo]

Re: Steelers Need Depth at Running Back

I think Bush would obviously improve our stable of running backs but if he wants starter money then I think it's a no go. The guy is a great 3rd down specialist and a great punt returner but he is injury prone and would never be the every down back.

Just like everyone else if the money is right I'd love to have him but the chances of that happening are very slim. Besides, I am very happy with the backs we currently have and if Batch comes in and shows he can take over MM's role all the better.

I think Batch's chances of contributing this season are the collateral damage of the lockout. No contact with the team, no OTAs, etc. are just too big a hill to get up in the few weeks that there is likely to be for training camp.

I'd also add that these off season workouts were going to be really important for Dwyer too. It is usually these second set of OTAs that a young player establishes himself as a legitimate option. Obviously he is also missing out on those and IMO it will hurt him.

Because of the above two factors I could really see us going after a veteran RB.

[grotonsteel]

Re: Steelers Need Depth at Running Back

I would not mind Reggie Bush if he is willing to take a pay cut.

What about Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams?

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Steelers Need Depth at Running Back

NFA Noise: Pittsburgh Steelers Should Shop for a Third-Down Back

Friday, July 15, 2011
By Seth Austin



The Steelers rushing offense appears to be firmly (questionable word choice) in Rashard Mendenhall's hands. Isaac Redman seems to have won over Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Bruce Arians' trust for short yardage and red zone situations.

What the Steelers could use is a viable third-down back that can put pressure on defenses with screen and draw capabilities as well as an ability to come out of the backfield as a receiver.

Mewelde Moore has been that guy for Pittsburgh over the past three seasons racking up 203 receptions and 1,771 yards. But Moore's time has to be up with the Steelers.

This year's free agent market for running backs will give the Steelers an opportunity to go out and get a player to fit the team mold.

The Bottom Line

A player that can make an immediate impact in the passing game on third downs would be Darren Sproles.

It looks like Sproles is being ousted in San Diego by Ryan Matthews and Mike Tolbert, and might want more of a chance at being a tandem starter in the league. But if he's willing to be the Steelers third-down back, his speed and receiving ability would make him a playmaker in Arians' offense. Not to mention, he would be a supreme return man.

Another route the Steelers could take would be signing Falcons free agent running back/fullback Jason Snelling.

Snelling had 82 receptions over his tenure with Atlanta, and while he doesn't give you the speed Sproles could, he gives you the blocking skills and toughness to gain extra yards. His only problem is that he's more of a fullback and won't fit very well into the multitude of Steelers one back sets. Usually Arians relies on tight ends like Heath Miller and David Johnson as H-backs when he needs a blocker.

Other viable options for the Steelers include Jerome Harrison, who proved he can catch it out of the backfield in his brief stint as a Browns starter, Jerious Norwood, who could even take some snaps as an every down back to give Mendenhall a breather or a veteran player like Kevin Faulk who has made a living catching passes from Tom Brady.

Any of the aforementioned backs would be great additions to the Steelers. If none are available for Pittsburgh to sign, Mewelde Moore could find his way back to Pittsburgh. The Steelers would be able to re-sign him at a low value and keep a player who has been a solid option over the last few years.

If the Steelers can nab a dangerous third-down back, opposing defenses will be forced to deal with mismatches from an already potent offense.

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[aggiebones]

Re: Steelers Need Depth at Running Back

It makes total sense to keep Moore.
We don't have anyone else with his skill set. Like hi or not, he knows his way around and there's noone else we are going to spend money on for 5-8 touches a game. Redman does very well and is very productive on his touches, so you up his.
Try and put Batch on the PS if possible and give him the job next year. Give Moore 1 one year's salary. He's not got any other suitors giving him a big long contract. He might as well stay where he is familiar too. And have a shot at a SB.
One more year makes sense, then go with Batch if he proves worthy.

[Oviedo]

Re: Steelers Need Depth at Running Back

It makes total sense to keep Moore.
We don't have anyone else with his skill set. Like hi or not, he knows his way around and there's noone else we are going to spend money on for 5-8 touches a game. Redman does very well and is very productive on his touches, so you up his.
Try and put Batch on the PS if possible and give him the job next year. Give Moore 1 one year's salary. He's not got any other suitors giving him a big long contract. He might as well stay where he is familiar too. And have a shot at a SB.
One more year makes sense, then go with Batch if he proves worthy.

Moore greatest value to the team is his knowledge of the playbook. The elimination of this year's OTAs have pretty much doomed any chances that batch has and has made it difficult for even a veteran coming in.

The wildcard is if Dwyer comes in ready to play and motivated.