Wide receivers take awhile to break in unless there is a gaping hole in the lineup. That isn’t the case in Pittsburgh, where Sweed starts out behind Ward, Holmes, Washington, and perhaps Willie Reid or Dallas Baker. Sweed never had a big season at Texas, even though he was there for 5 years and will turn 24 during the upcoming season. He is also coming off a long period of inactivity. I think he was something like the 9th WR taken in the draft. If he was as sure a thing as you seem to consider him, he wouldn’t have lasted that long among a weak crop of wideouts.

that on shortly after the pick was made Fichtner slipped and referred to Sweed as the third receiver.

Cedrick Wilson was never the focal point of the Steelers wide receiving corps, that has been, and will continue to be, (until his retirement) Hines Ward.

Additionally, here is the direct quote from Randy Fichtner upon being asked, “Do you project him as an integral part of your offense right off the bat?”

“I don’t think there’s any question. Obviously there’s a learning curve, but that hits everybody. But I know that he’s capable of learning. Having talked to their coaches extensively, having interviewed him, I don’t think there’s any reason he wouldn’t be able to understand what he has to do.”

On Steelers TV that is shown on Sunday Nights, they were talking about a few weeks after the draft Sweed will be getting looks at the number 3 spot sooner then later.

And remember, for him to make a huge contribution, he does not need to get 60 catches 1200 yards. All he needs to do is be that “big” WR to take coverage away from Ward, and Holmes. Because if Sweed is matched up one on one, he will easily burn almost any DB since he can make the jump ball catches and has the huge size advantage.

I would probably predict around 400 yards for this guy and a few touchdowns. And by mid season he will be our number 3 WR, sort of how Holmes slowly transitioned from number 3 to number 2 his rookie year.

To those who are thinking Limus Sweed will spend his rookie season on the pine…you are way off course. If you have been following the OTAs he is getting some attention for getting a quick jump off the LOS. If he continues to do that into the regular season he will have already gained the attention of the defense. Just that one simple move can take pressure off Hines, Holmes and Ben without catching a pass.

I dont think Sweed ever really got to shine in college because of that wrist injury. Had a solid junior year and made some spectacular plays (especially on the deep ball), but all in all kind of under achieved. The thing you have to look at is the situation hes stepping into. I agree hes not going to start right away but down the road i believe hes going to be a major contributer. Youve got the speedy Holmes thats on the verge of stardom. The proven vet in Ward that does it all, and find those spots in zones as good as anyone. Washington that has his moments. Now you add a big rangy target in Sweed that could make the big play and be a real weapon in the red zone. I think getting him deep in the 2nd round was a real steal.