FWP: 2006 and beyond

[Plindsey88]

OK, so the big name RB's will be off the board when the Steelers pick in the first, but what about the possibility of them picking up a guy like Cedric Humes in the later rounds....

For those who don't follow Va Tech football so much:

IMO, Humes is second only to LenDale White when looking at power runners in this year's class... He's 6'1" 235 with 4.55 speed... He's not at all a shifty back, and probably cannot be a full-time RB in the NFL, but as a short yardage specialist or FB-RB tweener, he is hard to beat... Everything about this guy is North-South... He's almost impossible to bring down with the first hit, and almost always falls forward for 3 yards after contact... He had a 4.6 ypc average and 11 TD's for the Hokies last year, and I could EASILY see a team with an undersized back picking this guy up in the 4th or 5th.... Pittsburgh might look at this guy with the 128th overall pick, and I think he'd be a steal there... If you ask the kid to be a goal line and short yardage specialist, you will DEFINITELY get your money's worth....

[wizbang]

Plin,

I think that is along the lines of what Pitt will do. They have a few options. Cowher seems to like Haynes and he's a good size back so he's an option. Staley reportedly remained a team player despite his demotion so maybe Cowher will reward him by giving him the Bettis role (though his contract may be an issue - they're paying him starting RB money). Or they could grab a guy in the draft, like Humes.

If I were Pitt, I would cut Staley, retain Haynes and draft a guy like Humes. The safer play though is to keep Parker, Staley and Haynes and take a flyer in the draft. If that guy (say Humes) can beat out Staley or Haynes then he gets a roster spot.

That would be my offseason plan and in the first round I would hope for a decent WR option (especially if they lose Randle El).

[Kensat30]

The thing that hurts Parker the most is the goalline carries. Pittsburgh is just not like other teams in terms of goalline carries. If Parker is not the goalline RB, he is not gonna score from 3 yards out, period. Tiki Barber and Warrick Dunn will get their share of punch in TDs. Willie Parker will get NONE.

Pittsburgh is really the only team in the NFL that has a goalline RB. Hear me out here, other teams will have a specialist come in or another RB back come in on occasion, perhaps even the majority of the time. But Pittsburgh has that guy come in EVERY SINGLE TIME. When they get inside of the 3 yard line there is a package where Pittsburgh puts a certain RB on the field in a certain formation, and dares you to stop the run game. And they're pretty much the only team in the league that will do that.

TDs are just too important in fantasy football.

I totally get what you are saying, but let me ask, how much of that do you think was a function of having Bettis as the back and how much of it do you think is the Pitt O?

100% Pitt O. Bettis was just the right man for the job. Highly unlikely that Fast Willie will not be used in that function next year. Seriously can anyone envision this guy pounding the rock in for the 1 for Pittsburgh? Good chance we see Haynes in that role if they can resign him, or they bring someone CHEAP in as a FA or rookie to fill that role. Duce Staley is gone.

P.S. - Pittsburgh is highly unlikely to draft a RB in the first round IMO. Parker is young and is undoubtedly "the guy" between the 20s for next season. And It just doesn't make sense to use a high draft pick (1st rounder) on someone who is expected to fill a small role.... Especially if they can resign Haynes for cheap. It already seemed like they were grooming him last season to be the goalline/short yardage/change of pace/clock killer to use in tandem with Parker when Bettis retires.

[Sixxgunn]

There could be a cheap way for the Steelers to make out on this deal. With Bettis retiring, Duce being so injury prone, and Deuce McAllister returning to the Saints healthy, there will be no room in NO for Anthony Thomas, and an opening for a bigger back in PIT. He will be very cheap, and is still young, so he could make a career turn around right now. Sure, he didn't fit in Dallas, but he might just fit into the Steeler's run-first mentality. This would keep Parker healthy as he wouldn't have to take the bruising hits, and keep him fresh in the 4th when they are worn out, making it easier for him to get his 75 yard TD runs. Just a thought.

[mattb47]

That isn't a bad thought sixgunn. I for one have always thought that Thomas could be good if he was in the right system and PIT does have a need for that kind of a back. I would personally rather see them grab a Jamal Lewis or Ahman Green if possible but if they need to go cheap then Thomas would definitely be an option I think.