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  Fantasy Football Scouts


Steelers Camp

4for4.com Exclusive
Courtesy of the Observer-Reporter
By Dale Lolley
Posted 08/24/07


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Editors Note: Dale really knows the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s covered the team professionally, full-time for 10+ seasons. Dale has full access to the Steelers. He goes to all of their games, both home and away, and also works out of their offices during the season. Dale works for the Observer-Reporter in Pennsylvania and regularly attends team practices and interviews some of the games greats.
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While a lot of the focus on fantasy sleepers nationally has dealt with teams other than the Steelers, that doesn't mean the Steelers aren't a team loaded with sleepers.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is being undervalued after his 23-interception season in 2006. But the people who are undervaluing him are forgetting that he produced more than 3,500 yards, 18 touchdown passes and two more rushing. And he did that in only 15 starts in Bill Cowher's ultra-conservative offense.

The Steelers plan to unleash Roethlisberger a little more this season and that will be a good thing for those astute enough to draft him. Charlie Batch remains Roethlisberger's backup and is as solid a No. 2 as there is in the league.

Willie Parker won't get as many carries this season as he did last year, but he will get more receptions. Don't expect another 1,494-yard rushing season, but Parker will still produce about 1,800 yards of offense.

Najeh Davenport will be Parker's primary backup, with Verron Haynes and first-year pro Carey Davis likely holding down two of the other spots. Davis, in fact, is looking like he'll be the team's starting fullback once the season begins, pushing longtime starter Dan Kreider off the roster. Davis is a combination back in the mold of Haynes, playing both fullback and halfback.

The wildcard will be rookie Gary Russell, a back who has the most pure running ability on the roster behind Parker. The rookie has flashed plenty of natural ability in this camp and will beat Kevan Barlow out for the final roster spot. In fact, don't be surprised if something happens to Parker that Russell - who split time with Laurence Maroney at Minnesota - gets a good share of the carries.

If I were drafting the Steelers' running backs, Parker is the obvious No. 1, with Davenport and Russell being my numbers two and three.

At wideout, the starters will be Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes, with Holmes poised for a breakout season. In fact, if Holmes doesn't surpass Ward as the team's No. 1 receiver this year then it will definitely happen next season. Cedrick Wilson will be No. 3, with Nate Washington and Willie Reid being the likely fourth and fifth receivers.

Tight end Heath Miller will improve on last year's reception total of 39 and should be right around 50 or more this season. He remains a nice red zone option as well and should rank among the top 10 tight ends drafted.


 


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