The Steelers seem to have a pretty good gague on their receiving core, even after they decided they would not go after and sign former Broncos and 49’ers receiver Ashley Lelie. The drafting of Mike Wallace in the 3rd round became a bonus when he fell to them. While it is tough for pass catchers to come in and make an impact in their first season, the team seems to have a feel that Wallace will be able to learn the offensive system quickly, and that’s why they didn’t nab Lelie.
They did ink Shaun McDonald for a tryout, and that is a player that is your typical veteran WR that the team has been known to sign over the years. There are a few names that you may remember that didn’t make headlines when signed, but they were players that made an impact making some big catches when the team needed them.
Remember Terrance Mathis? How about Courtney Hawkins? Those were two guys whose names pop to mind when I think about McDonald. Again, not big names, but they both were able to help out whoever was the Steelers QB at the time with some big plays. Maybe McDonald is the next on that list.
Then there is the great mystery of last seasons 2nd round pick Limas Sweed. Can he develop into the playmaker that he was in college at Texas? If so, the team will not miss a beat with losing Nate Washington to the Titans this past offseason.
Right now all anyone knows Sweed for is two plays in the AFC Title game – a drop on a for sure touchdown, and a big hit a few plays later that reminded everyone of the player he was taking the place of in that game due to injury – Hines Ward.
So for now, this is a position in transition for the Steelers. Other than the two starters – Ward and Santonio Holmes, there are some options for players to be able to come in and make plays. The question now is – which ones will, and how big of an impact will that player be?
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mark
May 7, 2009 at 6:55 pm
I cant imagine Sweed is NOT going to be #3. He did drop 2 big passes in the playoffs, but he did find himself open. I think he has too much talent and that mentoring by Ward, Big Ben and the experience he gained late last season will only be a plus. It may be early, but I expect at least a Nate Washington like season with the chance to be even better.
Carlos
May 8, 2009 at 12:20 am
What about Cedric Wilson? He had a pro-bowl day in the AFC championship game in 2005.
I want to have hope in Sweed, so I remember that when Plaxico caught one of his first passes and in celebration, threw the football to the grass, it was recovered by the other team and returned for a big gain… years later, he was so good that the steelers couldn’t pay him the money he was asking for… and caught the winning TD a couple of years ago in SBXLII.
tony
May 8, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Sweed will be the three, Period. I think people will be surprised at how the guy comes back this year and explodes for the Steelers.
People talk about the two big drops, but what seems to go without notice by most is that on both plays he was wide open !!
The guy knows how to get open, and that is 75% of the battle. They can teach him to focus and catch, getting open for explosive plays is what is natural talent and what we need.
beth
May 8, 2009 at 10:58 pm
The thing that really bugged me with Sweed, and thr thing I can’t believe everyone else has seemingly forgotten is not theat he dropped the sure touchdown, but that he rolled around on the ground like he was hurt after dropping it, costing the Steelers their last time out of the half and possibly more points heading into the locker room.
To me, that showed remarkable immaturity and is more troubling than a rookie having the dropsies.
Jeff
May 8, 2009 at 11:05 pm
I do like the veteran McDonald. He is a reliable receiver that they can count on in a tight bind.
Wish we could of picked up Torry Holt when he became a free agent. I was excited! He still has some veteran “juice” in the tank!
That would of been a “real treat” to see him wearing the BLACK-N-Gold this season! Dreams do fade!
David
May 9, 2009 at 11:54 am
i myself would like to see brett favre come in and compete for the 3rd slot. its just gots to happen.
David
May 9, 2009 at 11:56 am
all of you are wrong. the steelers have signed brett favre for a 1 year tender, to play the 3rd reciever, since he can’t throw that well, he made a switch to reciever to be able to prolong his career. lol,,,,,
Mark
May 11, 2009 at 10:31 am
Please, enough of the Brett Favre stuff. I want to puke when I hear that name.
David
May 9, 2009 at 11:57 am
you see how rumors can start. it just takes a whisper,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Mark
May 11, 2009 at 10:30 am
I like Sweed to make an impact. I keep wondering if Dallas Baker will ever make it on the field and if he does, will he ever contribute. The rookie might get in there if he steps up.
ANTHONY
May 12, 2009 at 9:56 am
YES I BELIEVE SWEED WILL REBOUND THIS YEAR DO 2 LACK OF CONTACT LENS UPSURB THE GUY JUST NEED 2 CONCENTRATE ON THE FOOTBALL. WITH THE OFF SEASON A HEAD OF HIM HE DO ANYTHING BUT GET BETTER CONSIDERING ALL THE SURE CATCHES HE HAD HE HAS 2 BE DAMN PISSED OFF.
Dave
May 13, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I think Mark hit the nail on the head L Sweed did drop 2 passes in the playoff but also made a big catch and knocked a raven into next week the thing about the drops was that he had the ability to get wide open the catches will come when he becomes an every down receiver