When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

When Camp Started I Thought...Colt Brennan would solidify himself as the #2 QB, and Chase might slide in at #3 because TC would be too expensive to keep at #3

But Now...Colt is struggling to stay on the roster, and my man Chase looks more legit than even I gave him credit for

When Camp Started I Thought...Marques Hagans would win the #5 WR spot, and more importantly be our new starting punt returner

But Now...well you saw today's cuts

When Camp Started I Thought...We'd see some "feel good" story emerge from the OL backups.

But Now...Our OL depth is concerning me. I guess the "feel good" story has been Will Montgomery, but I really thought we'd see a great battle for RT (Bridges, Heyer, M. Williams) and Heyer basically got it by default, in my opinion

When Camp Started I Thought...Marcus Mason would be another training camp hero without a place or need to be on the roster

But Now...I don't care that Mason doesn't shine or even play on special teams. I'm on the bandwagon. Find a spot on the roster for him and maybe he becomes our featured back in a couple of years. Imagine...Redskins offense being led by free agent QB Chase Daniel, free agent RB Marcus Mason, 7th round WR Marko Mitchell, with the line anchored by free agent OT Stephon Heyer :)

Your turn...

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

When camp started I thought it was ridiculous to talk about preseason games.
But now, I think it's...oh crap, I still think it's ridiculous!

Seriously though, same as you on the Colt Brennan, thought he was going to be #2...what a disappointment to this point.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

I thought that Devin Thomas would be better out of the gate and have settled himself in as #2 WR by now.

I thought that Rinehart would make a better showing and make us feel better about the interior of the line.

I thought that Rak would have more trouble adjusting to the NFL than he has had.

I thought that Swishy would have found a way to bury Rayner by this point in the preseason.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=SmootSmack;582161]When Camp Started I Thought...Colt Brennan would solidify himself as the #2 QB, and Chase might slide in at #3 because TC would be too expensive to keep at #3

But Now...Colt is struggling to stay on the roster, and my man Chase looks more legit than even I gave him credit for

When Camp Started I Thought...Marques Hagans would win the #5 WR spot, and more importantly be our new starting punt returner

But Now...well you saw today's cuts

When Camp Started I Thought...We'd see some "feel good" story emerge from the OL backups.

But Now...Our OL depth is concerning me. I guess the "feel good" story has been Will Montgomery, but I really thought we'd see a great battle for RT (Bridges, Heyer, M. Williams) and Heyer basically got it by default, in my opinion

[B]When Camp Started I Thought...Marcus Mason would be another training camp hero without a place or need to be on the roster[/B]

[B]But Now...I don't care that Mason doesn't shine or even play on special teams. I'm on the bandwagon. Find a spot on the roster for him and maybe he becomes our featured back in a couple of years. Imagine...Redskins offense being led by free agent QB Chase Daniel, free agent RB Marcus Mason, 7th round WR Marko Mitchell, with the line anchored by free agent OT Stephon Heyer :)[/B]

Your turn...[/quote]

This brings a tear to my eye. ;) For two yrs I have been saying Mason is a good RB and should replace Rock and maybe Betts if we were trying to get younger as a team and I would get laughed at, told Mason wouldn't crack the squad cause he couldn't crack other teams squad, told he was only good against 2nd stringers. Vindication Baby. ;)

Just Kidding. I am in no way saying that you made those statements, just pointing out that I apparently am not a good judge of talent. ;) LOL.

Honestly though, I do like Betts and think he has filled in admirably. I just feel also that we should be looking for Portis's replacement now cause in 2-3 yrs he will be looking to retire (most likely) and it would be nice to actually have someone he could help mold for our future.

I also like both Alridge and Dorsey. I doubt we keep both unless one makes the practice squad but Zorn needs to pick one and cut Rock in my oppinion. Let Thomas, Mason, Alridge and Moss fill in when they can. Teams would have to figure out who was going to KR/PR or spend that much more time game planning for all. ;)

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

I thought Orakpo would be a terrible OLB in a 4-3, but he is looking great in coverage and I think he might be better than Curry (who I really wanted).

I thought there'd be at least one major trade (ie Jason Taylor) but it hasn't materialized.

I thought Zorn would keep trying to force JC into his kind of QB, but he seems to really be trying to play to JC's strengths.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

When camp started i thought that the O-line was going to be the weakest part of the team but now i think it's tied for the weakest with the secondary.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

I thought Marko Mitchell was a practice squad guy at best, now he seems to have the #5 spot all but locked up. His future looks pretty bright.

I didn't really expect Colt to beat out Collins, but I'm definitely surprised he has played so poorly. His decision making has been disappointing. The risky throws that made us go ga-ga over him last summer are now biting him in the ass and could cost him a roster spot.

I never thought Chase had any chance of making the team, now well, see above.

I was on the fence with Heyer, but now I'm starting to buy in.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

When camp first started I thought...

Devin Thomas would be WAY ahead of Malcolm Kelly come Week 1.

Edwin Williams would make this team. Will Montgomery anyone?

Mike Williams would be a factor of some sort.

Alridge and/or Dorsey would have made a significant impact on teams or as change of pace back. Alridge looked OK on Friday, but that's it really.

Colt Brennan would be the #2. Turns out he may be unemployed in a week.

Marko Mitchell would be an afterthought and guys like Hagans and Eloi would be fighting for that 5th spot.

Orakpo would look confused as a LB and we'd be bashing the Skins for screwing with his position.

We would bring in another O-lineman or two to push the current paltry depth.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=SmootSmack;582161]When Camp Started I Thought...Marcus Mason would be another training camp hero without a place or need to be on the roster

But Now...I don't care that Mason doesn't shine or even play on special teams. I'm on the bandwagon. Find a spot on the roster for him and maybe he becomes our featured back in a couple of years. Imagine...Redskins offense being led by free agent QB Chase Daniel, free agent RB Marcus Mason, 7th round WR Marko Mitchell, with the line anchored by free agent OT Stephon Heyer :)[/quote]

Agreed. In my opinion, cutting a guy because "all he does is run" is the dumbest reason I've ever heard. Let Devin Thomas return kicks and keep Mason as the #3 halfback.

Don't get me wrong. I love Rock, but keeping three running backs that are all approaching 30 is a recipe for disaster. Mason also has better vision and quickness than Rock. He's an actual change of pace from Portis and Betts, where Rock is more of the same.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=Southpaw;582288]Agreed. In my opinion, cutting a guy because "all he does is run" is the dumbest reason I've ever heard. Let Devin Thomas return kicks and keep Mason as the #3 halfback.

Don't get me wrong. I love Rock, but keeping three running backs that are all approaching 30 is a recipe for disaster. Mason also has better vision and quickness than Rock. [B]He's an actual change of pace from Portis and Betts[/B], where Rock is more of the same.[/quote]

Is he really? Mason seems to me a between the tackles runner, has a good burst into the hole, but does he really offer anything, e.g. speed, much different than CP & LB? My only answer to that is yes, he can't pass block, that's the main way he's different.

I don't know how fast he is, but from watching he doesn't look like a 'speed back.' If anything, his speed looks underwhelming.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

When camp started I thought RT would be more of an issue.

I thought the secondary was as deep as any unit, not so sure now about Barnes & tryon. D line is probably our deepest unit.

I thought Daniel was a great pickup, but I surely didn't see him as anything more than a potential practice squad guy. He's at least created a debate for the fans & coaches.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=freddyg12;582292]Is he really? Mason seems to me a between the tackles runner, has a good burst into the hole, but does he really offer anything, e.g. speed, much different than CP & LB? My only answer to that is yes, he can't pass block, that's the main way he's different.

I don't know how fast he is, but from watching he doesn't look like a 'speed back.' If anything, his speed looks underwhelming.[/quote]

I don't see him as a change of pace either. He's almost a shorter version of Betts. He's not a speed guy at all, just a hit the hole, between the tackles kinda guy. He's certainly not a home run hitter.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

I think Reid has some level headed stuff here, via Danny Smith about Mason.

[url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/jason-reid/pass-protection-is-masons-big.html#more]Redskins Insider - Pass Protection Is Mason's Big Deficiency[/url]

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

I thought..........

Devin Thomas had made enough progress to take over the #2 spot. Still might happen but.....

Malcolm Kelly would still be injured, might end up being the long-awaited #2 we have all been waiting for.

Colt Brennan would make a play for the #2 QB spot. As it turns out he never really had a chance, and is now fighting to keep a job.

Orakpo wouldnt be a good fit at OLB. He is clearly more comfortable with his hand in the dirt, but this kid is a baller.

Mike Williams/Jeremy Bridges might be a factor at LT. Heyer was never really challenged I guess.

Rock was a lock to make the team. With his injury it opened a door, DT looked good on returns, and the other ST's units didnt seem to miss him.

Mason would be sent packing once again, now it looks like he has a legit chance to make the team. The guy has the heart of a lion, Im hoping he is a part of the future for this team.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

He isn't a change pace back and we have at least two guys who'd get snaps in front him based on running skills alone. If he can't play teams and could get our QB killed then I am sorry but Mason will be looking for his 4th team.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

It's his vision that's most impressive to me. He's like a combination of both Portis and Betts.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

He has no chance to make the team unless he plays teams well. I think it is as simple as that. They'd rather have a less functional RB who they can trust to pick up blitzes and be a Teams stalwart than a good RB who can't do either. The guy is only going to get 4-5 snaps a game tops. If anything.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

I think Mason is basically a young Betts. Betts can't block worth a damn either. But neither is what I would call a change of pace back.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

I thought I wouldn't be impressed by Marcus Mason, again. But now, I see a burst and quickness that I don't see in Betts or Rock. I still don't know that he makes the team but he's making it interesting.

I thought I'd see enough from Dorsey or Aldridge to not be subjected to another year of Randle El returning punts. But now, I see that we're destined to more of step right, step left, fall down after 4 yards.

I thought Devin Thomas would light up the preseason, but now Malcolm Kelly has passed him and Mitchell has impressed more under the lights.

I thought Jim Zorn would be coaching as if his career depended on it, but now it seems like he's oblivious to what's looming out there.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=FRPLG;582305]He has no chance to make the team unless he plays teams well. I think it is as simple as that. They'd rather have a less functional RB who they can trust to pick up blitzes and be a Teams stalwart than a good RB who can't do either. The guy is only going to get 4-5 snaps a game tops. If anything.[/quote]

Really this is as pointless as debating the #3 QB situation. It's not like Mason is competing for the #2 job. Whether we like it or not the coaches have Betts firmly entrenched as the primary backup, so what we're talking about here is a special teams guy that would rarely get the chance to carry the ball. Rock is clearly superior to Mason on teams, so that will likely be the deciding factor.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

When camp started I thought.... Hurray preseason if finally here.
But Now.... I can't wait for preseason to be over and the regular season to start.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=FRPLG;582302]He isn't a change pace back and we have at least two guys who'd get snaps in front him based on running skills alone. If he can't play teams and could get our QB killed then I am sorry but Mason will be looking for his 4th team.[/quote]

He's shiftier than both Portis and Betts. He doesn't run as hard as either of them, but he's seems more elusive than at least Betts at this point in his career. And Betts isn't exactly a beast in pass protection either.

My main point isn't as much about Mason, but the fact that a committee of three older backs is a role of the dice. They need to start grooming a younger back, whether it be Mason, Alridge, or Dorsey. Otherwise you end up with a used up Shawn Alexander on the roster when one of them goes down.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=Southpaw;582323]He's shiftier than both Portis and Betts. He doesn't run as hard as either of them, but he's seems more elusive than at least Betts at this point in his career. And Betts isn't exactly a beast in pass protection either.

My main point isn't as much about Mason, but the fact that a committee of three older backs is a role of the dice. They need to start grooming a younger back, whether it be Mason, Alridge, or Dorsey. [B]Otherwise you end up with a used up Shawn Alexander on the roster when one of them goes down[/B].[/quote]


Where did i see this happen, oh yeah last season on the Redskins. We need backs that will push for playing time not sit on the bench and be official bench warmers.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

I thought when camp started that the O-line was in trouble. Now I think that they paid Hall too much money. The Secondary and O-line are my concerns now.

Now that training camp is almost over, I think I want to see how all of them do in a real game.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=FRPLG;582300]I think Reid has some level headed stuff here, via Danny Smith about Mason.

[URL="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/jason-reid/pass-protection-is-masons-big.html#more"]Redskins Insider - Pass Protection Is Mason's Big Deficiency[/URL][/quote]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Randy Moss sucks at run blocking, who gives a crap? Note: I am not saying that Mason is the same caliber as Randy Moss. A running backs primary job is to carry the rock and get yards. Where Mason has been really impressive to me is around the goal line. We have struggled with running it in short yardage situations on the goal line in recent years, but he seems to have a knack for it. I think that he would be worth keeping for that ability alone. He can be taught to pick up the blitz eventually. Then again we did cut McCants because he was only good at catching TD passes.[/FONT][/COLOR]

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=Angry;582369][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Randy Moss sucks at run blocking, who gives a crap? Note: I am not saying that Mason is the same caliber as Randy Moss. [B]A running backs primary job is to carry the rock and get yards[/B]. Where Mason has been really impressive to me is around the goal line. We have struggled with running it in short yardage situations on the goal line in recent years, but he seems to have a knack for it. I think that he would be worth keeping for that ability alone. He can be taught to pick up the blitz eventually. Then again we did cut McCants because he was only good at catching TD passes.[/FONT][/COLOR][/quote]

And to protect the QB when needed.

Comparing a WR's job to a RB doesn't really make much sense. Moss doesn't have to pick up blitzing LB's for Brady.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=Mattyk72;582371]And to protect the QB when needed.

Comparing a WR's job to a RB doesn't reall make much sense. Moss doesn't have to pick up blitzing LB's for Brady.[/quote]

yep, on some plays the rb has a TE role since they have to block LBs that usually outweigh them by 20 - 50 lbs. Big part of the passing game.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=Mattyk72;582371]And to protect the QB when needed.

Comparing a WR's job to a RB doesn't really make much sense. Moss doesn't have to pick up blitzing LB's for Brady.[/quote]

No but WR's are also supposed to run block on the perimeter for RB's, are they not. Some are good at it and some aren't, that is the comparrison that I was trying to make. I think that he could make a living in the goal line package and learn pass protection as he goes. That's just my opinion though. I just think that a TD VS. a field once or twice a game would be beneficial. Other teams use a short yardage back why shouldn't we?

Edit: This is not a knock on Portis or Betts though, personally I think that Portis would be good, but he constantly gets pulled out in goal line and replaced by Betts. Betts is not suited for the goal line or has not been as successfull as I would like. Sellars does not run like a big man down there. I think that Mason could fit.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=Angry;582369][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Randy Moss sucks at run blocking, who gives a crap? Note: I am not saying that Mason is the same caliber as Randy Moss. A running backs primary job is to carry the rock and get yards. Where Mason has been really impressive to me is around the goal line. We have struggled with running it in short yardage situations on the goal line in recent years, but he seems to have a knack for it. I think that he would be worth keeping for that ability alone. He can be taught to pick up the blitz eventually. Then again we did cut McCants because he was only good at catching TD passes.[/FONT][/COLOR][/quote]

I think the requirements are more complex than you've stated. Danny Smith said it best. He's been on three teams and never played a down in a regular season game. Maybe there's a reason. Maybe he can't really play.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=FRPLG;582388]I think the requirements are more complex than you've stated. Danny Smith said it best. He's been on three teams and never played a down in a regular season game. Maybe there's a reason. Maybe he can't really play.[/quote]

Danny is upset because he doesn't play special teams. That's how ST coaches are.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=Mattyk72;582371]And to protect the QB when needed.

Comparing a WR's job to a RB doesn't really make much sense. Moss doesn't have to pick up blitzing LB's for Brady.[/quote]

For the record; when Campbell scrambled for the touchdown, Dockery completely whiffed on Richard Seymour and Mason picked him up to spring Campbell. I know it's just one play, but I think it shows that Mason is at least and average blocker. I think we're all a bit spoiled by the fact that Portis is arguably the best blocking halfback in the league.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=Angry;582394]Danny is upset because he doesn't play special teams. That's how ST coaches are.[/quote]

Jesus...how is he pissed off? He's never played in a game. You don't think that might say something about his abilities? Even a little?

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=FRPLG;582399]Jesus...how is he pissed off? He's never played in a game. You don't think that might say something about his abilities? Even a little?[/quote]

Damn dude chill, I said that half jokingly. I didn't really mean that he was pissed. I do believe however that he is going to snub the guy because he doesn't play teams. Yes, there is fact in Danny's statements, but the "why" was not explained. He made it seem that it is because of pass protection or whatever, but he did not actually come out and say it. Danny could just be biased against the guy for not playing teams. Even I don't know that for sure. Sure he hasn't played a snap in the regular season, but he has taken snaps in preseason. He has film out there that suggests that he can be good for something.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=Mattyk72;582297]I don't see him as a change of pace either. He's almost a shorter version of Betts. He's not a speed guy at all, just a hit the hole, between the tackles kinda guy. He's certainly not a home run hitter.[/quote]

Mason sort of reminds me of Joe Morris that used to play for the Giants.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=Mattyk72;582297]I don't see him as a change of pace either. He's almost a shorter version of Betts. He's not a speed guy at all, just a hit the hole, between the tackles kinda guy. He's certainly not a home run hitter.[/quote]

First off I agree with you. When Portis first came to the Skins he was the home run hitter the team needed. Speed type of runner. Though in Gibbs style of running the team bulked Portis up for power running. Now Portis is more of a between the tackles power runner. He has lost weight this season but I think he has lost his speed a little. Just a little.

Betts never was a home run hitter. He was already bulkier for the between the tackles type of running. Betts is a little slower then Portis though. when the coach's (in the past) tried to lean on him (the few times they did) he would fumble sometime during the game. Leaving coach's (I believe) to not trust him so he was relegated to 2nd place.

I know I'm not saying anything you all already don't know but simply pointing out that Mason is not a Speed back or scat back type of runner. He is another Portis or Betts. A between the tackles type of runner. Although he is younger and healthier. Someone whome can be groomed for the future after Portis.

Alridge and Dorsey are the speedier/scat back type of runners we need to change things up. Which is why I (if I was the coach) would cut both Betts and Rock, go with the younger power back in Mason to be groomed and fill in to spell Portis once in a while, and keep either Alridge or Dorsey as the speed back. Put the other on the practice squad if we still have a space. We obviously don't need another WR on the practice squad if we keep Moss, ARE, Thomas, Kelly, and Mitchell.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

I was HOPING Brennan could impress so we could get rid of Collins and keep both Brennan and Daniel, because they both have (had) great potential and it was tough to pick one to cut.

It's still a tough choice for me, I can see positive reasons to keep either of them. I wanted Collins cut because he won't be able to run an offense with deep passes, so our 5 talented WRs will be underused in a short passing game. Also, he has maybe one or two more years left and the younger guys have long-term potential, even if only as a solid backup. I wanted to keep both so build them up for the future...but Collins has somehow done just enough (although not impressively) to keep the #2 spot and Brennan has failed to take advantage of the opportunity. Collins was impressive in our OLD offensive system based on the Saunder playbook because he's been in it for a decade. Now he's new to the system and I don't believe can excel in a deep passing game, but he has not been supplanted as the backup.

If Campbell goes down, I do not see Collins repeating the last time he filled in.

Colt may still make it, but if he had beat out Collins and allowed both himself and Daniel to stay on the roster, I think the team would be better off long-term. Collins is about finished playing and is mediocre, just serviceable when he does play.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=SmootSmack;582161]When Camp Started I Thought...
Your turn...[/quote]

Although some of these might still happen:
When Camp Started I Thought...

We were finally gonna see more of Fred Davis and these mythical double TE passing sets.

I thought that Trent Shelton would win the 5/6 WR spot.

I thought the offense would have more multiple formations with more 4/5 WR sets.

I thuoght that Landry was gonna look ready to emerge

I thought that Kareem Moore was gonna make a name for himself

I thought that Randy Thomas was done (i'm glad i was wrong)

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=Southpaw;582397]For the record; when Campbell scrambled for the touchdown, Dockery completely whiffed on Richard Seymour and Mason picked him up to spring Campbell. I know it's just one play, but I think it shows that Mason is at least and average blocker. I think we're all a bit spoiled by the fact that Portis is arguably the best blocking halfback in the league.[/quote]

You are right about that play and Mason deserves props for that. But there were two other times the other night when he whiffed his blocks.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

When camp started I thought our offensive line still hadn't improved enough to give Campbell the time he needs.

But now I think our offensive line has definitely improved and held their own in the preseason, although we haven't seen everything opposing defenses will throw at us this year.

When camp started I thought Marko Mitchell would be lucky to make the roster with guys like Hackett and the others having more experience than him.

But now I think he's pretty much locked down that fifth spot and could even see significant pt if he keeps catching everything thrown his way.

When camp started I wasn't sure how well Orakpo would transition to playing outside linebacker.

But now I think even though he still has a long ways to go at OLB he has shown plenty improvement since he started learning the position.

When camp started I thought our offense didn't look as up to speed as the defense and definitely still had a ways to go.

But now I think our offense looks improved since that point and our defense actually needs more week.

When camp started I was hoping our backup o-liners would step up and prove they deserve a spot on the roster.

But now I'm not so sure about that, I haven't really seen anyone stand out that much.

Re: When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...
 

[quote=Angry;582369][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Randy Moss sucks at run blocking, who gives a crap? Note: I am not saying that Mason is the same caliber as Randy Moss. A running backs primary job is to carry the rock and get yards. Where Mason has been really impressive to me is around the goal line. We have struggled with running it in short yardage situations on the goal line in recent years, but he seems to have a knack for it. I think that he would be worth keeping for that ability alone. He can be taught to pick up the blitz eventually. Then again we did cut McCants because he was only good at catching TD passes.[/FONT][/COLOR][/quote]I understand that you're not trying to compare the players in quality or total value, but I think this argument would be better invoked on a guy like Adrian Peterson. AD is a major limiting factor on the quality of his team's passing game, but despite that, OH MY GOD LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN HE GETS THE BALL.

It's because Mason isn't going to start for us (unless you think of him as a future starter) that he has to do the small things well to have value. If he's being kept as the 3rd RB, he's probably only going to find his way into the game situationally, in which case, he's a liability if he can't do simple blitz pickups.

So while it's true that a running back's primary job is to carry the football, the only time Mason is a primary running back is during the preseason. You know, before the cuts.

Now, if you want to keep him on the roster and invest in him for future value and try to improve his pass blocking over time, that's a completely different perspective. Players like Mason take a lot of coach hours to turn into that kind of player, but I think the guy has the potential to be an elite runner. He's no older now than Willie Parker was in 2005, so that's probably his upside.

Of course, Willie Parker is one of the weakest players who is still a Steelers regular, so you have to keep everything in perspective. If the fruits of your labor is to develop Mason into the starting RB in 2011, and by 2013, he's a liability that we need to spend a draft pick on to replace (either partially or completely) is it really worth it?