Impact Rookie: WR Limas Sweed

by SteveMeredith on May 30, 2008 11:18 PM EDT Comment 14 comments

When Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver Coach Randy Fichtner saw that Limas Sweed was still available at the 53rd pick in April's NFL draft, he described the feeling as being "ecstatic." At 6'3" and 215 pounds, Sweed embodies the "tall receiver" that the Steelers were looking for. If utilized properly, Sweed could not only better himself, he could better the Steelers receiving corps and in effect, the entire team.

Sweed's size and his ability to track the deep ball would make him a threat to opposing secondaries. When Sweed is on the field, I look for opposing defenses to occasionally double up on Sweed, leaving Santonio Holmes and/or Pro Bowl Wideout Hines Ward to line up against single coverage. This, to me, would be a fatal flaw in the plans of opposing defenses. With Holmes deep threat ability, and Ward's Pro Bowl ability, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger should have plenty of options in the passing game.

When Sweed isn't in double coverage, I look for him to be a second deep threat for the Steelers passing attack. Fichtner also commented that Sweed can "finish," meaning he can make guys miss after the catch. As with any team's receiving corps, the Yards After Catch are some of the most important yards a player can rack up.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I love what the Steelers did when they took Sweed in the second round. They got a quality player who won't burn up everything the Steelers have in their salary cap. I look for Sweed's jersey to be worn on the backs of many Steeler fans this season, and I'm excited to see what Sweed can bring to the table.

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You're getting way ahead of yourself

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.

by robert ethan on May 31, 2008 11:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Draft Pick Usage

I’m a firm believer that if a team should draft a player in the first day of the draft, then that team is trying to fill a need on the team. I think it’s certainly feasible that a second round pick could get playing time. I’ve personally never been a fan of Washington, because the times I’ve seen him he’s been inconsistent. Yes he can make some incredible leaping catches that make their way onto ESPN’s top plays, but in the same game he’ll drop balls that were, by NFL standards, easy catches to make.

In terms of Reid and Baker, I know that Reid got the start due to injuries to the people ahead of him on the depth chart, but I’ve personally never seen Baker play outside of the pre-season.

I think you’ll agree that the Steelers draft wisely. I don’t think Fichtner would have been “ecstatic,” (his words), that Sweed was on the board if he didn’t feel that Sweed could fit in well with the Steelers system, and fit in as soon as possible. This whole situation is a “wait and see” scenario. While I don’t think Sweed will get the start right away, I think inconsistent play from the receivers ahead of Sweed will allow Sweed to rocket to the slot receiver position.

Steve

by SteveMeredith on Jun 1, 2008 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They brought Santonio Holmes along slowly...

...even though he was more highly rated and polished as a collegian, and came in the same time as Antwaan Randle El left. I would have to think that Sweed will take even longer.

by robert ethan on Jun 1, 2008 1:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sweed's NFL Maturation

He might take awhile to get ready, but the Steelers did release Cedrick Wilson because of off-field issues. I just think it would be a waste of a draft pick to have picked Sweed, only to have him sit on the bench behind the likes of Reid, who has had limited regular season playing time, and Baker, who I haven’t seen play outside of August.

I don’t think its out of the question for Sweed to see some playing time this year. After all, LaMarr Woodley was a second rounder, and he had a better rookie season than our first rounder Lawrence Timmons, (although Timmons was injured for most of ‘07)

Steve

by SteveMeredith on Jun 1, 2008 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Clarification

Just to clarify, I’m not suggesting that Sweed take the spot vacated by Wilson. I’m merely suggesting that Holmes takes up permanent residence at Wilson’s old spot, therefore giving Sweed the opportunity to fill the slot receiver position. I don’t look for Sweed to be playing on every down; more in the three wide set or, (if the Steelers decide to use it in ‘08), the four wide set.

Steve

by SteveMeredith on Jun 1, 2008 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But you said

That opposing defenses would “double up on Limas Sweed leaving Ward and Holmes with more room”. That intimates a lot more than “seeing some action as a third receiver” in place of Cedric Wilson. The latter statement I can accept, but to suggest that Sweed would become the focal point of the wideouts while Ward and Holmes are around is a huge leap of faith.

by robert ethan on Jun 1, 2008 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

...as for second round draft picks...

I don’t think Woodley started any games as a rookie. Others like Bryant McFadden and Ricardo Colclough only played sporadically their first few seasons. Alonzo Jackson even less. Two of them are gone already.

by robert ethan on Jun 1, 2008 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Worth noting

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

by Desroko on Jun 1, 2008 2:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What I'm implying

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.”

Steve

by SteveMeredith on Jun 1, 2008 6:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sweed

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.

by jason97673 on Jun 1, 2008 6:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sweed

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.

by steelersrock08 on Jun 1, 2008 7:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Looking forward to Sweed

I’m looking forward to seeing him in that 3rd receiver position. I think he’d give any good DB a run for their money. He’d definitely win the size battle when the ball’s on the way down. I’ll look forward to him catching the sideline ball too. I think he’ll really be able to use his long arms to stretch out and make the grab

Steve

by SteveMeredith on Jun 1, 2008 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What I hope from Sweed

Not so much this year, but down the road. I want to see him play as well in the playoffs as during the regular season. Up until this past year, Plax had never stepped up in the playoffs, with us, or with the Giants. He would make spectacular catches during the regular season then disappear in the playoffs. I especially remember that in 2004. I hope that Sweed turns out to be more consistent in the clutch.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jun 2, 2008 11:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Big Upside

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.

by blitzburg on Jun 7, 2008 1:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs