Appearing on NFL Network's "NFL AM" Wednesday, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians confirmed "there's no doubt" that RB Rashard Mendenhall would be the featured back if the season started today.
Arians said, "I know what he can bring to the table as a runner and a pass protector and also a receiver. He's an every-down player. And I think he's looking forward to having an outstanding season."
After touting Mendenhall in March as a "big back who never has to come out of the game," Arians is now making it clear that the former Steelers first-rounder is a three-down running back.
Mendenhall's early 2012 knee surgery and Achilles tendinitis last season no longer seem to be an issue, according to Arians. We currently rank Mendy at 32, but that's likely to climb a bit. He'll likely be a low-end RB2 option or high end RB3 or flex play most weeks. His ADP is the 7th round. Of course, this means Ryan Williams' value takes a hit and he'll be more of a change of pace option.
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