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Vikings: Mewelde Moore Anyone? Steelers: Yes, Please

As was mentioned in the previous post about Ben Roethlisberger's contract extension, there are rumors that the Steelers are close to signing Vikings RB/KR Mewelde Moore. If so, Tomlin and the versatile Tulane product would be reunited from their days in Minny. We'll take a closer look at Moore's career and abilities if he is signed, but I did find this short video that showcases some of his athleticism and decisiveness as a runner. The first half of the video are his runs, the second half is of Chester Taylor.

Granted, these are just a few random highlights, but I'd be thrilled if we added this type of weapon to our arsenal. The return game would be upgraded a touch. Not in the Devon Hester, Darren Sproles type of way, but I do think he'd provide more of a spark than Rossum. More importantly, I think Moore would give Big Ben a great outlet receiver to check down to frequently instead of holding the ball excessively long in hopes of making a play down the field. Keep your fingers crossed. Get it done Steelers!

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Moore
He would be a good pick up.  Seems to fit perfectly!  I hope it happens.  
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland

by steelerinchicago on Mar 3, 2008 10:50 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Returns
Moore has a very respectable PR average of 10.38 yards and 2 TD's in 74 returns.  This would have been in the top 5 in the NFL last year.  He has not been a good KR, but that's a different skill set.  I don't know who's going to return kicks, but if we have a good PR, we shouldn't waste a draft pick on just a KR.  I'm fairly content with Naj running to the 25 and slamming into the first body he finds, and maybe Reid can get another shot if he makes the team.  Moore fills three needs (RB depth, outlet receiver, and PR) at a somewhat low cost and gives us more flexibility in the draft.  I hope we sign him.  

by BadMaafala on Mar 3, 2008 10:56 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Wonder what his price tag would be?
If he's a capable pass blocker he'd be a perfect third down back and could completely replace Dookie.

Anyone want to take a stab at what kind of contract he'll sign? My guess is 3 years for $3-$4 million.

"You know who I want? William Wallace. That's who I'm looking for" - Bengals defensive line coach when asked who he was looking for in the draft

by cgolden on Mar 3, 2008 10:58 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

The best part?
Those first two runs are against New England.  HOLLA ATCHA BOY!  Let's nab him.  He likes Tomlin too, BONUS.

by Mikey on Mar 3, 2008 12:48 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

wow
A Mikey sighting! I'd just about written you off. You married men and your damn promotions :)

Good to cya back on the block. And yes, I did notice that too and got a cheap smile from that as well.

by Blitzburgh on Mar 3, 2008 12:58 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Great signing
Moore is a quality player and, by all accounts, person. First thing that comes to mind is that he wanted to play for Tomlin. He had other choices on teams, especially West Coast offense teams, where the RB situation was more wide open. Tampa Bay had tried to trade for him last year. Houston was interested. Running backs with good receiving skills do not grow on trees. He's obviously happy to embrace the role as Steelers backup, third-down RB and returner.

I expect Moore to do both KO and punt return. His mediocre career KO return average (19.3) is mostly a product of his rookie year. That same year his PR average was also mediocre (7.0). The next year he was a part-time starter and frequent contributor on offense, so asking him to return both punts and kickoffs in addition to a lot of running back duty was clearly too much to expect. He was taken off KO return (only six returns the past three years) but continued to return punts. The past three years his PR average was 10.6, which is excellent. Either the blocking got better in Minny or he simply needed that rookie season to figure things out.  Perhaps both. He's not a speed burner but he has very good hands, can read blocks and make cuts. He's strong enough to break a few tackles. I expect him to be the regular KO return man and do a good job.

He is a very good receiver out of the backfield and a decent blocker. Steelers running backs last year had 55 catches between them, the lowest figure of any AFC team. Moore could have 40-plus catches all on his own. This is the best way to add to Ben's arsenal, giving him another quality receiver.

Between KO, PR, third-down back and either a spot starter or more work depending on game situations, I think Moore could put up 1,500-plus total yards. He had 1,300 in 2005 while returning just four KOs. The big challenge for him will be staying healthy.

Russell can replace Davenport, who I expect will be cut. Davis will face competition in training camp but with Moore providing third-down skills and Russell having potential as a power back, I would like to see the FB job go to a guy who is a great blocker with short-yardage running ability. Owen Schmidt as a fourth-rounder would be a great addition in the draft, giving us a quartet with speed (FWP), receiving ability (Moore), power and potential (Russell) and blocker-short yardage (Schmidt).

by steeler lifer on Mar 3, 2008 6:53 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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