Throw One More Up for Fast Willie...

Parker, Fast Willie Parker that is.

The man who arguably led the Steelers offense last year just got another strong vote of confidence** from all around cool guy and Sirius NFL analyst/Fox Sports correspondent Adam Schein - who named him one of his top NINE (interesting number for a "top" whatever list) "most underrated stars".

Schein only briefly discusses each player, so he doesn't really have time to mention the exemplary numbers Parker posted last season. However he does make it a point to call out Steeler fans for continuing to clamor for a traditional "big back" despite the fact that Willie was the most consistently reliable offensive weapon last season - his third(thanks Mike for correction...tough week) season in the league and first in the absence of Jerome Bettis.

Schein's right to call it ridiculous, you know -- I mean I myself, while I love Willie and his ability to break a game wide open, still kind of feel deep down that we need another big back. Not to take over the primary ball carrier role, I think Willie has that more than covered, but someone who on 3rd and short can come in and bust through the line for that much needed yardage. Plus, there are a lot of Steeler fans that would take that one step further to say we need a big back to pound it through on every down with Willie stepping in only occasionally.

Regardless, Willie Parker is definitely underrated by both the general public and many Steeler fans alike (though the latter are dwindling 50 yard TD run by 50 yard TD run). I'm just glad he is getting some well-deserved recognition...now let's hope he builds on last year's success and has another pro bowl campaign in 2008.
And also, has anyone noticed - boy, do...I...love...me... some lists...

**Not to be overlooked - Chris Hope also made this list...

Link - Willie Parker Fan Club

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.