Mewelde Moore

Moore will mostly be used as a third-down back, as he is behind Rashard Mendenhall on the depth chart. The latter is expected to be a big part of the Steelers' offense this season, which mens Moore will likely only get increased carries if Mendenhall goes down with an injury.

As expected, Moore's role and stat line in 2009 decreased from his 2008 numbers. Filling in behind Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker, Moore had just 271 total yards and two touchdowns last year after compiling 908 yards and six TDs in 2008. Moore enters 2010 as the primary backup to starter Rashard Mendenhall. Rookie Jonathan Dwyer might make things interesting in camp as the Steelers said they hope to create some competition for the role, but the job is Moore's to lose.

Moore cames to Pittsburgh in 2008 figuring he might be the third-down back and maybe return a few kicks. Fortunately for him, injuries to the Steelers' rushing attack forced him to a bigger role and he responded with over 900 total yards and a career-high (and team-high) five rushing touchdowns. Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall are healthy now, so Moore has again been pushed down the chart. He is the better receiver out of the backfield amongst the three so he won't be completely phased out. However, he won't rack up the yards like he did last year if Mendenhall and Fast Willie remain healthy the full course of the season.

Not many third-string running backs deserve any consideration in fantasy leagues, but Moore could be worthy of a late-round draft pick in deeper leagues, especially ones that give points for kick and punt returns. Moore is a very talented receiver coming out of the backfield and was also quite capable of running the ball whenever given the chance in his four years in Minnesota, compiling a 4.9-yard career average. He could fill Willie Parker's role quite nicely as a complement to Rashard Mendenhall if Parker were to get hurt at any point.

After only 24 rushing attempts in 2006, Moore will get even less chances running the ball with Adrian Peterson now in the backfield. He had 46 catches last season, so he may still have a role in the passing game. He will also factor into the Vikings' return game.

Moore will fight with newcomer Chester Taylor in training camp for the starting running back job, and is likely the underdog. That probably suits Moore just fine – he came into the NFL as an overlooked Day Two draft pick and used that chip on his shoulder to carve out a career for himself. He has yet to give an indication that he can hold up physically to a feature back’s workload, however, suffering a number of injuries last year including a wrist problem he needed offseason surgery to repair. Look for the shifty and versatile Moore to win at least a timeshare in the Vikings backfield by the end of the season.

With Onterrio Smith lost for the season due to a suspension, Moore will battle Michael Bennett for the Vikings’ starting tailback job. Moore doesn’t have Bennett’s straight-ahead speed (no one does), but he’s quick and shifty and can make plays as a receiver out of the backfield. At 5-10, 205 pounds, Moore doesn’t project well as a goal line runner (he failed to score on his only goal line carry a year ago), but he was incredibly productive as a yardage back in just three games of carrying the full load – 339 rushing yards, 24 receptions for 198 yards. Bennett, the veteran and world-class speedster, probably has the upper hand heading into camp, but we think Moore’s superior football skills could eventually win out, either in camp or at some point during the season.

The Vikings drafted Mewelde Moore in the fourth round of the 2004 draft from Tulane. If any of the top three regulars have a setback, he could be given a chance. He's seen as a strong receiver out of the backfield, which could help his chances. In the meantime, he'll likely return kickoffs.