Wide Receiver.... Your Thoughts?

by TheRant on Mar 11, 2009 4:07 AM EDT

With the departure of Wide Receiver Nate Washington, who had 104 catches 1,705 yards and 12 touchdowns in his years of service with the Steelers, the Steelers are left with an unproven #3 wide receiver. Last years second round pick Limas Sweed, who had an unimpressive 6 catches and numerous drops in 11 games of work, is the new #3 or so it seems. Do the Steelers want to force a player who consistently dropped balls and missed assignments (except for the one huge crack back he had on the Ravens) in his first season of work to fill the role of the #3 receiver of the defending Super Bowl Champions? I dont think the Steelers want to do that. I feel as though Limas has potential but I don't feel he is ready for such a big step. Not only that but who will be the fourth option? Will it be inexperienced Dallas Baker? The Steelers are one of the best run organizations not only in Football but ALL of sports. They bring in very few free agents and when they do almost all are major contributors. The Steelers have brought in veteran Joey Galloway to the South side for a visit. Galloway has visited three teams: The Steelers, the Bills and the Patriots. The Bills have signed T.O. and the Patriots traded for Greg Lewis from the Eagles. Things could be in the Steelers corner when offering Galloway, who is still said to run in the 4.3's, a contract. Galloway's speed give the Steelers another deep threat and a proven #3. Additionally, ESPN insider believes the Steelers may be interested in wide receiver Torry Holt of the St. Louis Rams, who will most likely be released before a roster bonus kicks in later this month. Holt will certainly draw more interest than Galloway and the Steelers will not get into a bidding war over a 32 year old coming off one of his worst seasons of his career. Holt may still have a year or two left in the tank after posting consecutive 93 catch seasons in years before. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison is still on the market but his demands for a high dollar contract have turned teams away and the Steelers interest is slim to none.

So where do the Steelers go with the need of a wide receiver? I don't anticipate drafting another receiver high in the draft after spending a second round pick on Limas last year. The Steelers have an aging but productive defensive line and a mid-round draft pick would probably be spent on a defensive need rather than a wide out. The Steelers will probably lure a veteran to play the #3 option and use Limas more as the season progresses. Also, more of the double tight end set will be used with the emergence of Matt Spaeth as not only a blocker but an occasional pass catcher. Spaeth posted 17 total catches with 12 of those in back to back games against the Colts and the Chargers. The all-around Health Miller, who caught 48 passes in 14 games, should catch an additional 10 to 15 passes this season without Nate Washington in the lineup.

Whichever direction the Steelers decide to go, it will be a productive one. Again, the Steelers are one of the best run organizations in all of sports and with one of the best management staffs in the business a decision will be made without the Steelers missing a beat on offense.

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Comments

Holt

Is the best, if he can be had for a price reasonably low. I would love to Sign Orlando Pace more though.
If I’m ranking them:
1) Holt
2) Galloway
3) Harrison

by Michael Uhlhorn on Mar 11, 2009 5:06 AM EDT reply actions

Highly unlikely we go after any of them

Its just not the way we do things in Pittsburgh, especially not those who have put up the numbers like those three have. They are too old to be considered by us, even if Galloway did meet with us, i would be very surprised if we signed him. We will most likely look to the draft

As for Pace, you can put that idea to bed too, he’ll probably look for too much money anyway. Hes not a fit for the Steelers

BLITZBURGH IS BACK

by Michael Hewitt on Mar 11, 2009 5:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Even if Sweed can handle the #3 spot (which I hope he can) ..

there is no way we can go into the season with only 2 WR’s that have started a game before or caught more than what, 10 passes !!

We have to a veteran to allow for a). if Sweed can’t handle the #3 spot and b). if either Hines or ’Tone is out for any length of time ..

I’ve always felt we’ll bring in at leats 1 veteran WR, I agree it might be a more a low profile type than Galloway or Marvin but we must have a veteran WR in the fold ..

by Rash92 on Mar 11, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Veteran

The other reason I can see bringing in the veteran is for the playoffs. If Sweed struggles in the regular season, or is inconsistent, go with the veteran when the stakes are higher.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Mar 11, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Youre probably right

But until Limas struggles and our passing game beyond 10, 83, 86 isnt working, then we will bring in a vet. But as for now Limas and Dallas Baker have the coaches and froont offices faith in doing well. Nate didnt catch a ball at all in his first year, but then in his second he had 400 yards.

I think both Dallas and Limas will be perfectly fine, the Steelers know what they are doing

BLITZBURGH IS BACK

by Michael Hewitt on Mar 13, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh welcome to BTSC by the way

Hope you enjoy your time and post some good comments and stories

BLITZBURGH IS BACK

by Michael Hewitt on Mar 11, 2009 5:33 AM EDT reply actions

Matt Spaeth

Is a liablity in the blocking department. And they haven’t utilized his height like I once thought they would. I wouldn’t really say he is “emerging”.

"Whaddya' mean all the beer is gone..?

by OhioYinzer on Mar 11, 2009 7:36 AM EDT reply actions

who isn't a liablity in the blocking department on the line?

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Mar 11, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions

good point.

"Whaddya' mean all the beer is gone..?

by OhioYinzer on Mar 11, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions

interesting question

I just hope we don’t take another WR in this draft unless it’s very late.

IF, Limas can make a big step forward, and I realize that’s a somewhat big if, then we could have a really awesome triumvirate of WRs. If Hines is healthy too that is.

It’s not inconceivable to think Limas will be as good if not better than Nate was this past year and I think most would agree Santonio has arrived. If Hines is healthy, it could be a pretty diverse and top flight position for us. Some ‘ifs’ in there though.

by Michael Bean on Mar 11, 2009 9:22 AM EDT reply actions

If Hakeem Nicks is still there at 1.32

I say take him, then trade back into the 2nd round and pick up one of the deep class of C’s and a Jamon Meredith-type T/G. Then find a D-lineman and CB with the next few picks.

The guy is a monster, Boldin and Ward rolled into one.

by syrsteelerfan on Mar 11, 2009 10:04 AM EDT reply actions

Disagree, but clearly I am an idiot

I am a fool because that crackback against the Ravens has me thinking I want to see Sweed this year. If his hands problem is largely mental, then a year under the belt may work wonders.

by rushthequarterback on Mar 11, 2009 10:53 AM EDT reply actions

Sweed

Sweed hands > speath’s blocking. We all talk about sweed dropping the big one. And yea that’s inexcusable. But he did catch a crucial 1st down later on in that game. This guy can be great, I think people are too hard on the guy, its just his rookie year, rookie recievers for us usually don’t have great seasons. So I trust the front office in saying if they believe Sweed can be the #3 guy then he can be the #3 guy. I think we’ll see that.

by tannofsteel84 on Mar 11, 2009 11:01 AM EDT reply actions

Don't forget!

It took Nate Washington 3 seasons to develop and IMO he’s still developing. Limas Sweed has way more upside than Nate. Nate still drops alot of catchable balls. I will wager Sweed will have a better year in ’09 than Washington had in his 2nd year.

by steelersrock08 on Mar 11, 2009 1:18 PM EDT reply actions

Joey Galloway

I saw JG was coming to town. At age 37 the dude is a fossil. But still, he could prove a valuable temp agent in town to help teach Sweed.

Plus he does have some ball left in him. Shame most of his years were spent w/o a QB

by Mechem on Mar 11, 2009 4:55 PM EDT reply actions

Mike Furry?

Is that how you spell that dude’s name? Anyway he was released by Detroit and I think he’d make a good 3/4 receiver. I’m hoping Sweed can run the deep routes we’ll lack with Nate, and I’d like to have a good backup for Hines God forbid he miss time next year and Furrey was a good possession receiver.

by Chicago Steeler on Mar 11, 2009 5:10 PM EDT reply actions

Ya, I am surprised Furrey hasn't gotten a look yet...

He has one of the wierdest playing biographies i have ever seen.
Un-drafted FA signed by the colts, (never played)
Played in the XFL, (un-impressive)
went to Arena League for two season, (put up huge numbers)
signed with the rams as a WR, ended up starting as a Saftey for most of the seasonon
signs with the Lions as a WR and had almost 100 catches in first season;
Lions sign him to a three year deal, right before they draft Calvin Johnson. So the next year he has 64 catches for 664 yards and they cut him a season later.

Now he is unemployed

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Mar 11, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

I remember watching the Lions that year where he did very well, and I thought he was good. He has some speed to create some separation and decent hands. I think Limas playing #3 would be the best option for the team but they should take a serious look at him.

I have to disagree with all you who are bashing Limas, I think he has the size, speed and quickness to make a serious impact. All you who bash his hands must not have been watching Nate drop every pass if there was a defender within 5 yards of him. He would drop it then turtle to make sure he didnt get hit, then get up an chirp the defence, which got him a couple dumb penalties this season. In his defence he was under thrown a number of times during that time when Ben seemed to mysteriously lose his arm strength.
But i think Limas has the ability to be an improvement to the #3 spot next season.

Arians did say that either Limas or Martin Nance would be the #3 and thats what I expect, no free agent or high draft pick to fill the spot.

by Kreider on Mar 11, 2009 7:42 PM EDT reply actions

Nate helped us win a superbowl.

Limas sat on the bench.

Case closed for now, will revisit later.

Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.

by steelguy99 on Mar 12, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions

so

that means nate is better than limas? I think thats unfair, nate has a couple of years on limas. We’ll see this season how far he’s come.

by tannofsteel84 on Mar 12, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions

At this moment

Yes, he is better as of today.

You use that logic everywhere.

Who is better, this years #1 draft pick receiver, or Hines Ward? Hines. Sure he has years on the new guy, but so what.

Eventually Limas will get over this hump and be great, but as of today we dont have much to go on.

by Mechem on Mar 12, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I understand that

I just don’t think its fair to compare guys like that. Of course he’s better, but is it fair to compare limas to a vet? no compare him to other rookie recievers which is what he is. Thats all i’m saying. And Limas did more than sit on the bench i mean he did catch a clinching first down in the AFCCG. He helped win a SB too not as much as nate but still helped.

by tannofsteel84 on Mar 13, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Jerry Rice

Jerry Rice had a case of the drops his rookie year as well, Sweed will be fine, eventually starting opposite Holmes, unless Santonio gets away for a big pay day, then He’ll be our number one. For this year a low priced veteran with speed is perfect . Galloway is a mismatch against any safety, lb , or fourth cb that draws him in coverage. Holt will probably be too much money, Harrison seems slower but runs great routes , knows the offense, and again, will be playing against the nickel cb at best. I think Reggie Williams from JVille is intriguing, why isnt he better??QB? All will be well, remember Cedric Wlson was a weapon on the 2005 squad, theres gotta be another CW out there for cheap.

by Micculus on Mar 11, 2009 9:32 PM EDT reply actions

ben

If you believe ben is a great qb (which I, and I am sure many do), then a free agent wr is less of an issue. It would be great if Holt came on board, certainly a buy low candidate. But I don’t think Ben needs an amazing 3rd wr to replicate the 40/600 season Nate had.
I do think Limas can manage 2-3 catches a game for 40 yards with Ben throwing to him.

by vherub on Mar 12, 2009 11:32 AM EDT reply actions

Don't give up on Sweed yet

We invested a 2nd-round pick in Sweed, we need to see what he can do. At the same time, it is prudent to bring in a veteran WR who can fill in if Sweed can’t handle the #3 spot. Also, in case of an injury to Hines or Santonio. But they must sign for at or near the veteran minimum salary. If Galloway fits into that range, I’m all for it. Otherwise, there is a boatload of other experienced WR free agents available.

by Steelin on Mar 12, 2009 1:27 PM EDT reply actions