FanPost

Impact Rookie: WR Limas Sweed

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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