Searching For The Next Willie Parker...

Not exactly a move to quell the masses, but yesterday the Steelers signed 11 undrafted free agents, most important of which were 3 running backs. Of course, this speaks to the issue raised over the past couple of days regarding the Steelers neglect for the position during the draft.

I guess the rationale was, "hey, it worked once, look at what Willie Parker has done." I mean I suppose I commend them for actually doing SOMETHING, but bringing undrafted free agents to training camp with the hopes that one will pan out hardly makes me confident in our depth at the position.

Most notable of the 3 RBs was former Minnesota back Gary Russel, who Ed Bouchette points out in his article this morning (see link above), wracked up 1,274 yards and 18 touchdowns two years ago as the thunder to Lawrence Maroney's lightning (but not in the traditional sense...if you catch my drift). Backup RB in college wracks up big numbers in one season then gets signed as undrafted free agent....Sounds familiar, right? Anyways, Russel ended up being left off of Minnesota's 2006 and 2007 roster due to academic problems, instead transferring to junior college in the hopes that he could get by and still play ball.

I agree that this raises some red flags regarding his ability to learn an NFL offense. But honestly, he's not being brought in for the featured back role, so maybe he'll work out.

PLUS, they got this 6'3", 235 Paul Mosley from Baylor, who ran a 4.59 at the combine. Not exactly a burner, but he has some size, so may be a fit for that "thunder" role Fast Willie will need behind him.