The Steelers formula for success for many years has been simple. Draft well, re-sign quality free agents and add a low profile free agent or two during free agency for extra depth. That very formula has resulted in 3 Super Bowl appearances over the last 6 seasons with 2 of those appearances ending with the Steelers 5th and 6th championships.
The Steelers usually like to bring their draft picks along slow, especially on the defensive side of the ball, because of the complexities of the Dick LeBeau defense. On the offensive side, it is a little bit easier for draft picks to contribute a little Read more [...]
I was going through some old videos of Limas Sweed and came across the draft day remarks by NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock. His last statement in the video is chilling and right on the money.
"My issue with this guy is he has got to be more consistent."
Mayock does not get a free pass though as he had Sweed as possibly the top receiver to be taken in the draft in 2008.
The futher the 2008 draft gets in the rear view mirror, the better the view becomes of the Steelers 2008 draft. As of right the jury is still out, but 2009 should provide the information to make a solid judgment. Let us break down where we are with the draft class.
RB Rashard Mendenhall - There is more that we don't know about Mendenhall than what we do know. If his season had not ended due to injury, we would have a much better idea of where he is at. He had an acceptable 2008 pre season, but showed a fumble problem. Can he run in btween the tackles? Can he get around the end? Can he break Read more [...]
Here is a look back at the 2008 pre draft prospect visits the Steelers visited with. Two players, Dennis Dixon and Ryan Mundy, ended up being drafted by the Steelers. All though you can not read too much into the list of 2009 players they have had in, you can assume one or two will likely end up being Steelers.
POS
Name
College
G
Branden Albert
Virginia
DE
Cliff Avril
Purdue
DT
Red Bryant
Texas A&M
RB
Jehuu Caulcrick
Michigan State
T
Gosder Cherilus
Boston College
LB
Shawn Crable
Michigan
QB
Dennis Dixon
Oregon
DT
Keilen Dykes
West Read more [...]
When Hines Ward went down Sunday with a knee injury in the first quarter of the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens, rookie wide receiver Limas Sweed was thrust into action. Sweed had mainly been used by the Steelers this season in four wide receiver sets and special teams for the most part because of his inability to show the coaching staff he could handle a larger role. With less than a minute remaining in the first half and the Steelers leading 13-7, Sweed broke free from coverage and was wide open. Ben Roethlisberger’s all but certain 50-yard touchdown pass hit Sweed in the Read more [...]
The 2008 Steelers draft is looking mighty disappointing over half way through the season. Wide receiver Limas Sweed is the only one of seven draft picks to make any contribution, albeit not much. Sweed is just not catching on quick enough and nearly cost the Steelers dearly on a punt Thursday night. Right now he is an expensive Walter Young and needs to tighten up his game quite a bit to contribute any down the stretch. First round running back Rashard Mendenhall was gone before he even got started. Mendenhall broke his left shoulder early in the Ravens game and was placed on injured reserve. Linebacker Read more [...]
After a stellar day one that saw the Steelers draft two players they never thought they would have a shot at in the form of running back Rashard Mendenhall and wide receiver Limas Sweed, the Steelers had a less than stellar day two. UCLA product Bruce Davis will be another tweener that will probably be used as an outside linebacker as the Steelers look to eventually migrate into a hybrid Tampa two defense. Texas tackle Tony Hills did fit a need of sorts on the offensive line, bur surely will need a year to learn and season properly. Quarterback Dennis Dixon, linebacker Mike Humpal and safety Ryan Read more [...]
The Steelers drafted S Ryan Mundy from WVU with 28th pick in the 6th round of the 2008 NFL draft. Mundy was the 194th pick overall and the second of two 6th round picks the Steelers have. Steelers had met with Mundy prior to the draft. Mundy played three seasons at the University of Michigan before transferring to West Virginia. He had 45 tackles, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries for the Mountaineers last season. A fluid free safety type that will have a tough time making the roster. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Mundy said he completed the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, the pro shuttle in Read more [...]
The Steelers drafted LB Mike Humpal with 22nd pick in the 6th round of the 2008 NFL draft. Humpal was the 188th pick overall and the first of two 6th round picks the Steelers have. Played 4 years at linebacker at Iowa. Led in tackles, makes good reads, not good upper body strength and needs to get stronger. Has good speed and is a great leader, Humpal will likely compete for a roster spot and try to contribute on special teams. 50/50 shot to make the Steelers opening day roster.
Read more [...]
Steelers drafted Oregon QB Dennis Dixon with their 5th pick in the 2008 draft. Coming off of an ACL injury, Dixon will have his work cut out to make the roster. Needs to show arm strength, accuracy and that he is recovered from the injury. Will make for another huge project for the Steelers.
[phpbay]dennis dixon, 5, "", ""[/phpbay] Read more [...]
Steelers chose Texas T Tony Hills in the 4th round with the 130th overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft. Hills is a monster at 6-6 305 and should compete for a depth spot. A bit raw and should be a project for learning run blocking. Originally recruited as tight end. Good pulling tackle. Great build will need lots of work.
* Tony Hills Conference Call *
* Offensive Line Coach Larry Zierlein * Read more [...]
The Steelers drafted UCLA defensive end Bruce Davis with the 88th pick of the draft. 4-3 DE with pass rush ability, will stand up and convert into a 3-4 guy. He will be a project, but has the athleticism to make the transition.
MORE ON DAVIS Read more [...]
What a great second round gift. Ben has been asking for a big wide receiver and he got one in the form of Texas WR Limus Sweed.
Here is some info and his conference call.
* Limas Sweed Conference Call *
* Wide Receivers Coach Randy Fichtner *
* Limas Sweed Statistics *
[phpbay]limus sweed, 5, "", ""[/phpbay] Read more [...]
The Pittsburgh Steelers have chosen Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall with the 23rd overall selection in the NFL draft. Mendenhall led the Big Ten in rushing yards and yards per carry, running 294 times for 1,434 yards and 19 touchdowns. LINK
I never would of thought Mendenhall would of fell this far. I am very biased, but this could be the steal of the first round.
