Afternoon Session: Day 2 Report
Running Back Duo
The Steelers running game ranked 23rd in the NFL last season but if Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker stay healthy, the chances of that happening again are very slim.
Mendenhall showed great speed, elusiveness in both sessions. He broke a long run, bouncing to the outside in the morning session.
Mendenhall continues to build off of a strong mini-camp when he was regarded as one of the teams top performers
As good as Mendenhall looked, it was also a very good day for Willie Parker.
Parker who claims to be in the best shape of his career, is 100% healthy for the first time in over a year. He was cutting very well this afternoon and has focused his off-season training on leg strength.
He broke a long run down the right sideline on a key block from Trai Essex late in practice.
Davis appears more confident in second training camp But….

Looking for a sleeper in camp? Look no further than 2008 3rd round pick Bruce Davis. There were some positive signs from Davis this afternoon as he appears a step quicker and was successful in the 1-on-1 linebacker/running back drills.
For now he is working with the 3rd team and he still has a ways to go.
Hood working with 3rd Team
Ziggy Hood worked with the 3rd team for the morning session and most of the afternoon session. Hood took most of his reps at left defensive end.
For now Nick Eason is working behind Brett Keisel and Travis Kirschke is working behind Aaron Smith at left defensive end.
*3rd round pick (CB) Keenan Lewis had the strongest day from the Steelers 2009 draft class but it’s very early.
*3rd round pick Kraig Urbik (RG) struggled in a number of line drills. Needs to work on his footwork. Big strong powerful lineman, once he develops over the course of the year, should give the Steelers an immediate boost on their interior line.
Urbik will not be factor for a starting position coming out of training camp.
O-Line Depth Chart
1st team: LT Starks – LG Kemoeatu – C Stapleton – RG Essex – RT Colon
Notes: Doug Legursky was the 2nd team center this afternoon. A.Q. Shipley was 4th on the depth chart.
Kraig Urbik worked mostly with the 3rd team. Jason Carpizzi worked in as a the 2nd team RG.
Hills continues to disappoint
2008 4th round pick Tony Hills struggled mightily this afternoon. He needs to have a very good camp to keep a roster spot and he’s not off to a good start. OT Ramon Foster (Tennessee) is a player to keep an eye on. Steelers like him.
Injury Report
*Lawrence Timmons suffered a leg cramp early into practice and was limited today. He is expected to be okay.
Keyaron Fox took 1st team reps in place of Timmons.The Steelers are very high on Fox and are comfortable with him filling in on their first team for either Farrior or Timmons, if one of the two were to go down with an injury.
Fox is a former 3rd round pick.
*Linebackers Andre Frasier and Donovan Woods stood out in the backers/lineman drill.
more to come, including analysis and interviews from Mike Bires who will be reporting on all the action from day 2.