Limas Sweed - A Steeler

[Vis Major]

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[Thorndike]

He's from Texas...just like George W. Bush!

[Spike]

Re: So who is your #1 pick for the Steelers



<HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->MY inside confidential sources force me to retract all my previous bids.

Ben is running this team now and he wants a WR.

I'll take Sweed.

Well, I was close

[Vis Major]

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[DrunkinIrishman]

Well we got Ben two good weapons today. I am glad they got him (I would have been happy with groves, or 'Connor too). Two value picks.

Sweed gives us the big receiver to go down the field.. You can throw Hollmes on the other side and put Hines in the slot. Throw in Miller and you got a potent offense as long as our line can play half decent. We still got Nate as our third or fourth (depending on how fast Sweed catches on.)

I know we needed biggins but you can not pass on the value.

[Steelerman]

So what are the odds that Hines complains about this pick?

[Doggfather69]

Well we have the big back and the big Wide out. yime to get some studs up front!

[mesaSteeler]

He's from Texas...just like George W. Bush!

What the hell does that have to do with anything? Lots of great football players come from Texas. Like Mean Joe or didn't you know that? I know it's hard for you but try to contribute something intelligent.

Charles Edward Greene, known as "Mean Joe" Greene, (born September 24, 1946) is a former all-pro American football defensive tackle who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. Throughout the early 1970s he developed into arguably the most dominant defensive lineman in the NFL. He is considered by many to be one of the the best defensive lineman to ever play the game and was the cornerstone of the famous "Steel Curtain" defense. He is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and a four-time Super Bowl champion.

Before his NFL career, Greene had an outstanding college football career at North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas) (1966-1968), assisting the team to a 23-5-1 record during his 3 seasons with them. In 1984, he was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. In 2006 was voted to the East-West Shrine Game Hall of Fame [1].

[Doggfather69]

So what are the odds that Hines complains about this pick?

Really Good! I bet he hates the pick.

[Sluzilla]

Limas Sweed WR Texas

STRENGTHS
Limas is a tall WR in the same mold of Plaxico Burress (WR Garden State Giants). He is a very long-legged receiver who, on the short routes, can cover a lot of ground quickly. He is a match up nightmare for the small CB’s inside the red zone and is a big target on slant routes and fade routes in the end zone. Limas looks like he could be a good complimentary WR for a team with a speed receiver and a strong armed QB.

NEEDS TO IMPROVE
He just had wrist surgery, but I don’t suspect any problems from that. Of course it has to be checked out at the combine and before the draft. I’m sure that he is taking this time off to work on his speed for the combine, but he needs to improve his route running because he lacks quickness in and out of his breaks. Right now, he does a lot of pushing off and I’m not sure that will be a positive for the next level.

TALENT BOARD ROUND: 2
Limas has never improved much from the first time I saw him play to the last time that I saw him play. To me this means that Limas either does not think he needs to improve or what you see is what you get. Limas doesn’t give you anything on special teams so if he doesn’t improve his route running for the next level, he will struggle making a team and being productive at the next level. He must get faster and improve his quickness in and out of his breaks. He also has to get tougher if he wants to be the type of WR that makes a lot of catches over the middle and in a crowd. Limas is in for a shock when he gets hit by one of these LB’s or Safeties at the next level. He really hasn’t been hit that hard at the college level so I’m not convinced he can stand up to the pounding that he will receive in the NFL! For a WR who looks to be a “move the chains” type of WR, he has to bulk up without losing speed or quickness or he will be on the IR list most of the time. Right now, Limas is a man playing with boys, but for the first time in his playing career at the next level, he will be a man playing against other men and I’m not convinced that he will be able to handle that. Everything at the college level is easy for Limas, but it won’t be that way at the next level. I will bet you that he is lowering his weight and working hard to attempt to improve his straight line speed in the forty for the combine. I have no doubt he will “wow” a lot of teams with his times. Personally for me, I see Limas as a kid that will show up for the first and last years of his contract and disappear for the in between years. When a kid with this much overall talent does not improve from one year to the next, is satisfied and doesn’t think he needs to improve until it’s time to graduate, it throws up a red flag to me.

[LineDown!]

NEEDS TO IMPROVE
He just had wrist surgery, but I don’t suspect any problems from that. Of course it has to be checked out at the combine and before the draft. I’m sure that he is taking this time off to work on his speed for the combine, but he needs to improve his route running because he lacks quickness in and out of his breaks. Right now, he does a lot of pushing off and I’m not sure that will be a positive for the next level.

HA! Is that it?!?!? Mini camp will improve that. This guy is going to be better than Plex was his first year.

[TazmanianDevil43]

I can't believe Sweed was avaible in the second round......let alone where the Steelers picked. AWESOME!

[mesaSteeler]

Any info on his work ethic or attitude? The last thing we need to have is Burres' stick up the butt attitude.

[Vis Major]

HA! Is that it?!?!? Mini camp will improve that. This guy is going to be better than Plex was his first year.

I hope they tell him you're not down until you're touched.

[Sluzilla]

various top 100 player rankings...

draftdaddy.com - 26. WR Limas Sweed, Texas
greatbluenorth.com - 29. Limas Sweed WR 6-4, 220 Texas (X)
nfldraftcountdown.com - 23. Limas Sweed SR WR Texas
thehuddlereport.com - 25 WR Limas Sweed 6-4 215 Texas
Rick Gosselin - 39. Limas Sweed WR Texas

not bad value at all...for the second time...

[Steel Conviction]

I can't believe Sweed was avaible in the second round......let alone where the Steelers picked. AWESOME!

That's exactly what I was thinking.

After our first pick I went to the gym and worked out. Between sets I would check out who had been picked to see if he was gone (having a feeling the Steelers would pick him if available). He kept slipping and I couldn't believe it. Got home, plenty of time till the Steelers' pick, so I mow the grass and do some outside work. I come inside at pick 54 ... just missed it! Waiting .... waiting ... it was Sweed. Nice!

[mesaSteeler]

Fox Sports pick by pick analysis.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8075764/2008-NFL-Draft-pick-by-pick-analysis:-Round-2


53. Steelers Limas Sweed WR 6-5 219 Texas
Ben Roethlisberger got a highly productive running back in the first round and a fantastic wide receiver in the second. Sweed can flat out play. Though he only played in six games for the Longhorns last season, he caught 12 touchdown passes in '06. He and Santonio Holmes played against each other in the Ohio State-Texas game back in '05. Sweed caught three passes and a touchdown that night.

[Spike]

For Beaker....


PFW ranks Jerome SImpson the 100th best player and 15th best WR

PFW ranks Limas Sweed the 19th best overall player and best WR in the entire draft.




Big Ben, FWP, Mendenhall, Moore, Ward, Holmes, Sweed, Miller....yeah - I can live with that

[Miller]

Like this pick alot, if just for the fact that it shoves Washington back down to 4th. Ideally this puts Hines in the slot when Sweed is on the field. Hopefully we'll have alot more 3WR 1TE formations. He's also tall which is good for jump balls or just regular balls that Ben has to heave up quickly because our shit line let 3 guys through again. A little wary of the fact that so many teams took other receivers when he was mostly the consensus 1 or 2 guy on the WR board, but that also has to do with finding guys who fit what you do and maybe they thought Sweed didn't fit their systems. Happy to add him, though still thought he'd look better with a Merling or Flowers in the 1st.

[thesteelcity]

from his Pro Day video, seems like he has a good head on his shoulders and is personable. Glad to have him!

[warriors42]

If Ben gets any time to get rid of the ball, this offense could be the most potent in the nfl. this is almost scary....

[Steelerman]

It's an immediate upgrade from Nate and Wilson, that's for sure.

[LetMePlay]

He will be a team leader. Ward will show him the ways of the jedi. The force is strong in his family.

[t-bone]

things I think....

JAX moved up ahead of us to get Groves......maybe they thought we were gonna take him.

I think that and BUF getting Hardy made Sweed our choice.

but it was an excellent 1st day.

[Thorndike]

What the hell does that have to do with anything? Lots of great football players come from Texas. Like Mean Joe or didn't you know that?


Sweed is from Texas. Just like Mean Joe and GEORGE W. BUSH!!! :D

[Blind Official]

For Beaker....


PFW ranks Jerome SImpson the 100th best player and 15th best WR

PFW ranks Limas Sweed the 19th best overall player and best WR in the entire draft.




Big Ben, FWP, Mendenhall, Moore, Ward, Holmes, Sweed, Miller....yeah - I can live with that

That one F-ing floored me.

[Gareth]

Odd, I watched the entire highlight clip posted, and not once did he get any yards after the completion. He dropped like a sack of bricks every time he was contacted. Hopefullt that will be trained out of him, though I see another plexico....but, hell, that is what Ben wanted. For the record, I was happy enough with this pick, as I expected it for months. Now the first pick, on the other hand.......

[Steelerman]

Comment: What a steal for the Steelers. Sweed has tons of big-game experience with great size and adequate speed. Durability is a huge issue, but he's also an incredible deep threat. Ben Roethlisberger can shut up now -- he's got his big target.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10800033

[1st & 10]

Lots of weapons, showtime comes to Pittsburgh.



Combine Profile: Limas Sweed

By Mike Kahn
Seahawks Insider

Limas Sweed figures to be one of the top receivers in the NFL Draft this year.

Limas Sweed appeared far more concerned with the way
his height was recorded during his physical than the injured wrist that
has had football personnel types and the media so concerned for months.

And that must be good news for everyone interested in the talented
wide receiver from the University of Texas.

“They had me right under 6-4,” Sweed said.
“They kind of bent my knees and pushed me down a little bit.
They pushed me lower than I’m used to.”

OK, Limas, we’ll call you 6-4 and concede the 216 pounds as well,
but about that wrist that forced you to miss the final seven games of
the season and leave the Senior Bowl after two days of practice …

“The wrist is 100 percent healed,” Sweed said.
“I’ve been going through a lot of MRIs, x-rays and it’s 100 percent healed.
The range of motion, out of 100 percent is I’d say about 65 percent –
more than halfway - which is good. I talked to a lot of people in there and they said considering the amount of time that’s a pretty speedy recovery.
So I’m happy and I’m on my way back to being 100 percent.”

That would be overall. As it is, he’s considered a solid first round pick and one
of the top five receivers in the draft. His size, strength, and speed
that isn’t blazing but less than 4.6 and his desire for the football are all big factors.

There are those who believe without the wrist injury,
he would have been the top receiver prospect in this draft.

“I thought he was the best receiver in the draft because of
his height and speed,” Combine guru Gil Brandt said.
“I just think Limas Sweed is a special player. Whether his wrist is all right or not,
I don’t know. He’s a big play player is what he is.
The kind of knock on him was that he isn’t a tough guy.
But I think that’s completely wrong. He’s come back and tried to play, even before he should have come back and tried to play.

“But whoever gets him is not only going to get a great player, but in my opinion an outstanding person. He really is a quality character individual.”

Yeah, but against advice to the contrary, he went to the Senior Bowl and perhaps his desire to dispel the notion that he lacks toughness caused him further problems.
The result was it initially got worse after two days of practice, so he
went home and concentrated on working out once it began to improve again.

More importantly, at this point he feels particularly enthused about the prospects.
He’s been working out with Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan and is
back to prove his skills for the NFL teams.

“I’d go back (to the Senior Bowl) and compete again,” Sweed said.
“A lot of people thought that I re-injured my wrist.
The only thing that happened was at that time I only had 10 percent range
of motion out of 100 percent. And the doctor advised me not to go ...
It may hurt your draft status or whatever.’ At that time, I didn’t really care.
I hadn’t played football in over five or six months (actually about 3 ½ months), so I was eager to get out there and play.

“I was doing well and it was one-on-ones, and a guy came and grabbed
my hand and bent it down to about 70 percent when it wasn’t ready to, so you can imagine the pain … that was Day 1.
So I came back for Day 2 and I was thinking it won’t happen again.
And the same guy did it again. And that was when I decided
it was time to shut it down. It wasn’t a re-injury, it was just a breaking up of the scar tissue, which actually helped me recover quicker – so I want to really thank the guy.”

The guy was Chevis Jackson and Sweed actually did thank him through
his friend and Jackson’s LSU teammate Early Doucet.
The breaking up of the scar tissue hurt, but did hasten his recovery.

Consequently, Sweed has no regrets for the abbreviated trip to the
Senior Bowl last month.

“Nah, I wanted to show: A) that I could get open, and B) that I could run
by guys,” Sweed said. “But also that I am a tough guy willing to compete –
because I felt like coaches at the University of Texas, they knew that
every day I come out there and compete. But the NFL coaches,
they never had a chance to meet me, so I wanted to come in and leave
an impression on them that I’m here and I’m going to compete.”

The son of a preacher whose mother pushed him toward basketball before he
played caught a football for the first time in junior high, he has spent hours
studying the other tall receivers in the NFL – from his role model from Texas,
Roy Williams; to Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, and many of the other top receivers
in the NFL

He will run at the Combine to show the NFL his speed,
but he’s not sure if he’ll run routes and catch the ball, depending on
what his highly experienced agent Tom Condon suggests.
One way or the other, the success of other big receivers in the NFL these
days only enhances his perspective of what he’ll be able to do after the
draft and his opportunity – wherever it is – comes to fruition.
He refuses to be disappointed by the ramifications of the wrist injury and
what it will coast him in the draft.

At this point, Sweed just wants to play.

“I’m just happy right now to be in a position to be drafted by anybody,” Sweed said. “Wherever I go, I’ll be happy. Things happen and that’s life, you know?
I would say it’s a minor setback for a major comeback.

“Seeing those (other big receivers) have success makes me excited because some of those guys I’ve looked up to growing up and now it’s my time.

It’s my time to show the NFL and the world what I can do.”

[tapeANaspirin2it]

Sweed!!! Sweed!!! Sweed!!! Sweed!!!

http://www.hboasia.com/images/posters/378x195/heartbreak_ridge.jpg

[Steelerman]

Sweed!!! Sweed!!! Sweed!!! Sweed!!!

http://www.hboasia.com/images/posters/378x195/heartbreak_ridge.jpg


LMAO....classic movie.

[Steeltime]

from his Pro Day video, seems like he has a good head on his shoulders and is personable. Glad to have him!

Good point. An intelligent kid who has not done stupid off the field.

[Andymisiu]

Is there any reason why like 6 other WR went before him? funny how I wanted either mendenhall or sweed in the first and Sweed stays on the board forever. He seems like the proto type big weapon, just wonder why he lasted so long. Are all the other NFL teams that stupid?

[tapeANaspirin2it]

Good point. An intelligent kid who has not done stupid off the field.

Conversely, Mario Manningham scored a 6 on his wonderlic.

[DerbyCityBNGfan]

he runs like a gazelle...he reminds me of Plax, but has a bit of Moss to him. could develop into something extremely special, but i expect immediate impacts from both of these guys.

[Blind Official]

LIMAS SWEED
SECOND ROUND SELECTION
53rd OVERALL

Wide Receivers Coach Randy Fichtner



Were you surprised that he was still there?

Very surprised, and very ecstatic back in the back of the room. Really excited. I never thought that he would still be at that slot, and obviously we’re very excited to have Limas on board.

Do you think his wrist injury held him back?

I don’t think there’s any question. It even held him out of some of the Senior Bowl, when he got down there and kind of broke up some of that scar tissue. Extremely talented – obviously we know he’s got the size. He’s got range. His 2006 film is outstanding. We evaluated this year, also. Obviously through the combine, through the Senior Bowl. He just got set back because of the wrist.

How does his wrist check out now?

It’s supposedly great. We’re talking to John, very thorough, even up until we picked him. They went right through, reviewed it, everything looked good. I had a chance to be at his pro day workout. He did all the drills, and didn’t show any signs of potential lingering effects to the wrist.

Did you have him projected as a first-rounder?

Yes. In our evaluation, yes, I did.

Scouts have said that he lacks polish, and that he cuts off his heels.

I worked with him. We sit, and there were 7 or 8 wide receiver coaches there the day we worked him out, and I didn’t see anything that he wouldn’t be able to do in our system. We’re very excited about that.

He’s said to be “driven.”

He’s a neat guy. When we were at the combine, and sitting in the training station, you get a chance to see a lot of guys. Sometimes you don’t get to see the projected first round players, because they’ll do meetings with Mike and the rest of the high-up staff. And yet, he came through. It was kind of neat to start to build a little relationship with him. He’s a fun personality. He’s a little bit country, but he’s definitely a city kid.

He’s not the classic ego-driven wide receiver.

No, but he doesn’t lack confidence. And that’s a good thing. I think he’s been on a big stage in the Big 12, and he’s been very successful until the wrist injury.

What do you like most about him?

I love his range. The circle of catches is extremely large. The area of miss is big. He’s got the longer arms. When we were down there, he vertical jumped 36 or 37 as compared to 33 or 34 at the combine. You couple that with the idea that he’s almost 6-4, you’re talking about a larger frame and target.

Who would you compare him to?

It would be hard to compare him to anyone on our team because we’re not quite like that. I’m not exactly sure who that would be. Braylon (Edwards) is a big receiver over in Cleveland, and yet he still has room to mature in the weight room. You talk about an injured wrist, and some of your upper body development doesn’t get a chance to increase. He’s got an awful lot of talent, I know that.

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.

Talk about Dallas Baker.

Dallas is another one of those youngsters who has height. He has really long arms, and he’s now starting to use that more. He’s actually standing to catch the football away from his body, trying to make big guy plays. One thing you noticed about a handful of guys in this draft – can they make a big guy play? Meaning you’re a tall guy, you have range, you have size, but do you actually go up and pick a ball off a db’s head. Do you make those types of plays? A lot of guys are tall and big, and they never seem to ever play above their framework. This kid does that. And Dallas is now starting to do some of that, and it’s kind of exciting.

Was it a priority to get a tall receiver in this draft?

Not necessarily. We were going to take the best available player, and it just so happened that Limas was in that pool.

When Tampa was on the clock ahead of you did you think they were looking at that guy?

Everyone was sitting there saying that we couldn’t understand why Limas was still out there. Obviously they have a need at wide receiver at least they had mentioned that pre-draft. We thought there was a possibly that could happen.

Everybody thought you were going to go with Quentin Groves.

Probably could have happened; again all that was on the board you never know. Didn’t somebody trade up?

I understand Limas Sweed tracks the deep ball?

Yes, he’s very smooth and at the combine workout there in Austin at the indoor facility that’s one of the bubbles, it has the lights that shine up on the side of the bubble which lights it up so there’s not roof lighting. The lighting is actually kind of poor. I can remember it reminded me of Washington State because they have the same facility. And it’s awful hard to track the ball in there he and really went through and had a tremendous workout. He did the things that he did at the combine even in tracking the ball. He’s able to adjust to a ball coming to him and away from him, put it on the outside shoulder and make a smooth transition catch. What he also does is finish. If you watch a lot of his big plays I don’t put him in a category of a make you miss type receiver that you get when you have a guy that’s a little shorter, a little niftier. He does finish, he can break tackles. He still has size and a lot more room to get bigger. He definitely finishes on tape. He catches a ball across the middle there’s a chance he could take that and finish it and the year prior he did it a lot.

Randy if indeed he plays right away and you have Hines, Santonio and him whats your take of this receiving corps?

It tickles you to death because you’re looking at a three group that’s really strong and a possibility of Nate Washington being four is really exciting.

Would that move Hines to the slot?

Well Hines plays slot anyway. Hines is a Z flanker for us that actually in first and second downs and run situations he’s been very valuable because of his toughness and the way he blocks. Limas is probably more suited towards the X or single receiver. Limas has also played in the slot so as you watch the tape you realize in there five wide receiver package he was their slot. So he has that background where some receivers don’t get put in that situation. You see other guys that are the bigger receivers, they’re always on the one side and that’s where they work and operate. He’s actually been on the two and the three receivers inside slot positions and has handled that well.

Randy day one of the draft you got a running back and a receiver nice boost to the offense?

Absolutely, because you got guys that can put the ball in the end zone. That’s important last time I checked. Score touchdowns that what you got to do.

Can he return kicks at all?

Limas isn’t like that. He may have as a youngster at Texas, but I wouldn’t be able to answer that. His basic build and frame would probably not be suited in the special teams as far as a return man.

[Vader]

I'm giddy that Sweed was still there. I can't understand why he fell. I know the wrist was an issue but a talent like that is an absolute steal in the late 2nd round.

BTW we should all appreciate the bungles and the Ravens for their umm "draft evaluation". What were they thinking?

[leftcoaststeelerfan]

things I think....

JAX moved up ahead of us to get Groves......maybe they thought we were gonna take him.

I think that and BUF getting Hardy made Sweed our choice.

but it was an excellent 1st day.

I'm almost sure that's what they thought. In fact, maybe he was the Steelers pick @53 and Sweed was the fall back option. Still is a hell of a value pick, so late in the round.

[JEFFRO]

Odd, I watched the entire highlight clip posted, and not once did he get any yards after the completion. He dropped like a sack of bricks every time he was contacted. Hopefullt that will be trained out of him, though I see another plexico....but, hell, that is what Ben wanted. For the record, I was happy enough with this pick, as I expected it for months. Now the first pick, on the other hand.......

he runs like a gazelle...he reminds me of Plax, but has a bit of Moss to him. could develop into something extremely special, but i expect immediate impacts from both of these guys.

I really didn't know much about him. But looking at the film on the net and reading about him since the pick I believe he will be a step above Plexiglass.

Plax often burned my nads when he mis-handled jump balls and seemed to drop the easiest ones. He also re-minded me of a puppy great dane, he looked so awkward when he cut and jumped like he was gonna trip over his feet or something.

Limas-bean seems to look very athletic in his movement and definitely can adjust to the ball whether it be thrown short, high or just a bit off target.

I think he will be a great target for Ben my mid season. Hope he can pick up the system well.

[K from Cal]

If he spikes the ball on his first catch before being down I will believe he is the next Plrx

[mightyguru]

things I think....

JAX moved up ahead of us to get Groves......maybe they thought we were gonna take him.

I think that and BUF getting Hardy made Sweed our choice.

but it was an excellent 1st day.

I wish somebody at Tampa would have given Tomlin the heads up but maybe that's not the way it works.

[Super Heathen]

However, i still see bitching and moaning here. What, are we supposed to trade up and lose valuable picks for Sam Baker? The O-linemen draft was DEAD by pick #23 people, all the value gone. Getting IMPACT players like Mendenhall and Sweed was fucking gold.

Ben is going to counter any strike against our D with an array of offensive weopons that will be hard to contend with. We will address line issues tomorrow and next year. Smith is back healthy, Starks will start again, we have a Center for a change...it's not all that bad.

[mesaSteeler]

Hall of a pick? Steelers think they got a steal in Illinois running back
By Jim Wexell
For The Tribune-Democrat
http://www.tribune-democrat.com/sports/local_story_117234326.html

(NOTE before all of you start screaming that this is a Wexell article it is from a FREE site namely the Tribune-Democrat. The ban on Wexell articles were articles from a PAY site not a FREE site. I repeat that this article is from a FREE site. There is some excellent info here. - mesaSteeler)

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers went into draft day looking to fortify both lines, but they ended up with two of the more recognizable offensive playmakers in the entire college crop – running back Rashard Mendenhall and wide receiver Limas Sweed.

The star power made it quite an easy day for the reporters at the South Side headquarters.

“That’s why we took them, to make you guys happy,” team Chairman Dan Rooney joked.

With eight offensive tackles off the board before the Steelers drafted in the first round, and without a lineman deemed worthy of the 23rd pick, the Steelers were ecstatic to find Mendenhall available.

A 5-foot-10, 225-pounder who ran a 4.45-second 40 at the combine, Mendenhall is a combination of power and speed and scouts believe he’s a plus receiver as well.

He rushed for 1,681 yards last season as a junior at Illinois to become the Big 10 MVP. He won’t turn 21 until June 19.

Sweed is the big receiver that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hoped the Steelers would add this off-season. The 6-4, 215-pounder from Texas ran a 4.54 40 at his pro day. He missed half of last season with a wrist injury. He’d played with the injury for the first half of the season and caught 19 passes for 306 yards and three touchdowns. The previous year, Sweed caught 46 passes for 801 yards (17.4 avg.) and 12 touchdowns.

Sweed’s a deep threat with exceptional tracking skills and has been called “driven” by scouts. His negative is a lack of polish in his route-running. One scout said Sweed has a tendency to cut off his heels and that his lack of polish would prevent him from being drafted in the first round.

That scout was correct, but the Steelers still had a first-round grade on Sweed and were ecstatic when Jacksonville took Quentin Groves. The Jaguars traded with receiver-starved Tampa to draft Groves, the 3-4 outside linebacker, just ahead of the Steelers.

But the Steelers wanted Sweed all along.

“Very surprised,” said wide receivers coach Randy Fichtner, “and very ecstatic back in the back of the room. Really excited. I never thought that he would still be at that slot.”

Earlier in the day, Steelers Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert couldn’t contain his delight in landing Mendenhall.

“We are very excited,” Colbert said. “It was unexpected. I don’t want his agent hearing that, but it’s the truth.”

The Steelers came into the draft wanting to trade down, but Colbert said he had a list of 15 players “and we said ‘If these guys are there, we’re not trading down because they’re that good and we want them.’ ”

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has advocated a strong two-back approach since taking the job, and Mendenhall provides the perfect inside complement to Willie Parker’s outside skills. Mendenhall proved that in the Rose Bowl when he burst through the middle of the line and ran 79 yards for a touchdown against USC. He finished the game with 155 yards on 17 carries for an average of 9.1 yards per carry. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry in his three-year career.

“He showed up big on the big stage,” said Tomlin, “and you like guys that show that characteristic – the ability to rise up at opportune moments. But he’s got a complete body of work. Any tape you turn on, he’s a force for that football team and one of the reasons that they were able to get to that (Rose Bowl) game.”

One of Mendenhall’s blocking backs at Illinois was his older brother Walter.

His blocking back in Pittsburgh will be former Illini runner Carey Davis.

Mendenhall grew up in the Chicago suburb of Skokie as a Raiders fan. He left Niles West High School for the University of Illinois where he became an Academic All-Big 10 honoree as a sophomore. Pro Football Weekly compares him to Herschel Walker because he’s so thickly muscled and is more of a straight-line runner. That’s a drawback that possibly cost Mendenhall several spots in the first round.

“It was tough, I ain’t going to lie,” Mendenhall said of the draft-day wait. “I thought that I was going to be the one who was going to come into the draft and not be nervous at all. As it started rolling, the sweat started rolling as well. I feel good about it right now.”

As for the Steelers’ shaky offensive line and the harassment it caused Roethlisberger last season, Tomlin offered another theory.

“There are two schools of thought to protect a quarterback,” he said. “You can get linemen or you can get him weapons – people that people have to account for. Obviously with this pick, we’ve gotten a weapon. So what he is able to do on a football field will help our quarterback and our football team.”

Sweed, of course, is another weapon.

While Mendenhall was more reserved with reporters during his conference call, Sweed, who fell further in the draft, was giddy and outgoing.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Sweed said. “I am with the Pittsburgh Steelers and I am ready to get in and go to work.”

He was asked about Roethlisberger and the quarterback’s request for a big receiver.

“He was looking for a big receiver and now he has one,” Sweed said.

Fichtner told a story about Sweed’s highly regarded deep-ball tracking skills.

“In Austin, at the indoor facility that’s one of the bubbles, it has the lights that shine up on the side of the bubble so there’s not roof lighting. The lighting is actually kind of poor. It’s awful hard to track the ball in there and he really went through and had a tremendous workout. He did the things that he did at the combine even in tracking the ball. He’s able to adjust to a ball coming to him and away from him, put it on the outside shoulder and make a smooth transition catch. What he also does is finish. He can break tackles. He still has size and a lot more room to get bigger.”

Fichtner also enthused about Sweed’s personality.

“When we were at the combine and you get a chance to see a lot of guys,” Fichtner said. “He came through. It was kind of neat to start to build a little relationship with him. He’s a fun personality. He’s a little bit country, but he’s definitely a city kid.”

[Parasite]

Yep, a lot of people here would've been happy with Sweed in the first round. To get him in the second round while snagging imo the best running back in the first is unbelievable.

[Super Heathen]

Yep, a lot of people here would've been happy with Sweed in the first round. To get him in the second round while snagging imo the best running back in the first is unbelievable.

Yes, that's the way i see it. We got Plaxico Burress with pick 53 and the best RB in the draft at 23.

Try to stop us now.

[MT~Forged]

Yes, that's the way i see it. We got Plaxico Burress with pick 53 and the best RB in the draft at 23.

Try to stop us now.

Plax before NY, was way too lazy for me. Now, at least he is productive, though still seems a bit lazy. I hope Sweed takes after Ward and not Burress.

[Super Heathen]

Plax before NY, was way too lazy for me. Now, at least he is productive, though still seems a bit lazy. I hope Sweed takes after Ward and not Burress.

I know what you are saying. I'm not tlaking about the lazy Buress who dropped easy passes and didn't fight for yards with us, i'm talking about the tougher Plax who is a real wr in NY.

Sweed and Mendenhall are skill players and absolute needs for the future. We get the o-line fixed and it's lights out for any opponent.

[JEFFRO]

I know what you are saying. I'm not tlaking about the lazy Buress who dropped easy passes and didn't fight for yards with us, i'm talking about the tougher Plax who is a real wr in NY.



Oh you mean the Plexiglass that didn't practice all season because of a supposed "sprained ankle"?

I bet his ankle is sprained again this season too!:rolleyes:

[Spike]

.

Try to stop us now.


<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width="100%" align=center><TBODY><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-TOP: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-LEFT: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-BOTTOM: #cfd9ef 2px dashed" vAlign=top width="32%" height=80>Overview
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-TOP: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-LEFT: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-BOTTOM: #cfd9ef 2px dashed" vAlign=top width="68%">Limas Sweed is a big, physical receiver with surprising athleticism. He got better and better each season and had a great junior season where he had more than 17 yards a catch and 12 TDs. His senior season was cut short because of a wrist injury that required surgery. He ended up playing in only 7 games and managed a mere 19 receptions and 3 TDs. He'll have to prove to scouts that he's going to fully recover from the injury.
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-TOP: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-LEFT: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-BOTTOM: #cfd9ef 2px dashed" vAlign=top height=98>Strengths
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-TOP: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-LEFT: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-BOTTOM: #cfd9ef 2px dashed" vAlign=top>Big, tall. Long arms. Displays excellent hands for the most part. Physical enough to get past the bump at the line. Will work the middle, and he's a terror in red zone. Smooth overall athlete, a good leaper. Hard working and a good kid.
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-TOP: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-LEFT: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-BOTTOM: #cfd9ef 2px dashed" vAlign=top height=87>Weaknesses
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-TOP: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-LEFT: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-BOTTOM: #cfd9ef 2px dashed" vAlign=top>Not overly fast--good straight line speed, but doesn't have the agility that teams want. Lacks ideal quickness in and out of his breaks. Suffers from drops at times. More of a big-play guy than consistently reliable guy. The injury is obviously a concern, but he will have a chance to prove he's fully recovered.
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-TOP: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-LEFT: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-BOTTOM: #cfd9ef 2px dashed" vAlign=top height=89>Projection
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-TOP: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-LEFT: #cfd9ef 2px dashed; BORDER-BOTTOM: #cfd9ef 2px dashed" vAlign=top>With the number of big receivers in this draft and lingering injury concerns with Sweed, it's possible that he goes anywhere from mid-first round to mid-second round. Teams should see the long-term potential of a guy like Sweed. Look for Vince Young (QB-TEN) to lobby long and hard for his former Longhorn teammate with pick #24.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Super Heathen]

Oh you mean the Plexiglass that didn't practice all season because of a supposed "sprained ankle"?

I bet his ankle is sprained again this season too!:rolleyes:

Jeffro, did he produce big time in the playoffs or not?

A simple yes or no will suffice.

[Spike]

He looks like Plex to me....except he can actually jump

http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2008_nfl_draft/Limas%20Sweed.jpg (http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2008_nfl_draft/Limas%20Sweed.jpg)

http://espn.go.com/photo/2008/0218/ncf_g_sweed_200.jpg (http://espn.go.com/photo/2008/0218/ncf_g_sweed_200.jpg)

All those little CB's in our division are shitting themselves about now

[steelberger1]

I'm giddy that Sweed was still there. I can't understand why he fell. I know the wrist was an issue but a talent like that is an absolute steal in the late 2nd round.

BTW we should all appreciate the bungles and the Ravens for their umm "draft evaluation". What were they thinking?

Well, if you want a good chuckle go to the Go-Bengals board and read their draft thread. There is lots of in-fighting, and lots of "It is going to suck to play the Steelers twice a year".

Good stuff.

Cant really blame them....Sweed and Holmes on the outside, Ward and Miller inside.

That should slow down the opposing pass rush right there.

[scrapdog]

IMO, Sweed will bump Nate Washington as the No. 3 receiver by mid-season.

[TDX27]

IMO, Sweed will bump Nate Washington as the No. 3 receiver by mid-season.
Mid-season? Hell, I'm hoping mid-preseason. We can hope anyway.

[Clinton]

Love this pick..We needed a big target like this guy since plex left.
This guys jumping ability just improved our red zone offense tenfold

[rossi]

Glad to hear he has a little more speed then most had him listed for. Not that 4.47 is great and 4.53 sucks but at 6'4" and under 4.5 is a not so shabby a combo at 219lbs.
Our 2nd pick like the first with no character issues. Quality players and quality people from big time programs.

[Blind Official]

Jeffro, did he produce big time in the playoffs or not?

A simple yes or no will suffice.

No.

Unless you count the GB game as the entire playoffs

[toledosteel7]

If he spikes the ball on his first catch before being down I will believe he is the next Plrx

Has he been hurt before this wrist injury? I just hope he doesn't fall down in training camp and do a Charles Rogers. Even if he is from Texas, Go BUCKS!

Other than that, I like the pick!

[5RINGS]

Sweed has played in a pro-style offense at USC hopefully he can come in for us and play day 1.

[Steelers.exe]

Sweed has played in a pro-style offense at USC hopefully he can come in for us and play day 1.

USC:confused:

[schoondog]

Sweed has played in a pro-style offense at USC hopefully he can come in for us and play day 1.

When did Sweed play at USC?

[mightyguru]

When did Sweed play at USC?

He didn't...he destroyed USC.

[Steelerman]

Steelers give big present to Big Ben

Sunday, April 27, 2008
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Big Ben Roethlisberger finally has his big wide receiver.

Limas Sweed, who stands nearly 6 feet 4, became the Steelers' tallest wide receiver when they selected him on the second round of the draft yesterday. It fulfilled a wish Roethlisberger expressed in mid-January, when he said he would ask the team to add a tall receiver in the offseason.

"No doubt, man, I think I fit it," the Texas University product said last night. "A lot of people were saying he was looking for a big wide receiver and now he has one."

The Steelers not only had a first-round grade on Sweed, they ranked him among the top 25 players in the draft and the best three receivers. They used the 53rd pick of the draft to get him.

A big reason others may have shied away from Sweed is a wrist injury. That August injury required surgery Oct. 16 and it limited him to 19 catches last season after he caught 46 for 801 yards (17.4 average) and 12 touchdowns in 2006. He was not fully healed by the Senior Bowl, but he impressed the Steelers with his individual workout at Austin. All their medical tests judge him to be fully healed.

"We just couldn't understand why Limas was still out there," Steelers receivers coach Randy Fichtner said.

No receivers were drafted in the first round, and then they came off the board in clumps -- Sweed was ninth of 10 wide receivers selected in the second round.

"He can break tackles, he's still got size and probably a lot more room to get bigger,'' said Fichtner, mentioning the wrist injury limited his ability to lift weights. "But he definitely finishes on tape. When he catches a ball across the middle, there's a chance that he can take that and finish it, and the year prior to [last], he did it a lot."

Fichtner said the thought of having Sweed join his receiving corps "tickles you too death." He lumped Sweed with starters Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward when he said, "You're looking at a three-group that's really strong and a possibility of Nate Washington being four is really exciting."

"I love his range," Fichtner said. "The circle of catches is extremely large. The area of miss is big. He's got the longer arms. When we were down there [in Austin], he vertical jumped 36 or 37 [inches] compared to 33 or 34 at the combine. You couple that with the idea that he's almost 6-4, you're talking about a larger frame and target."

He's just what Ben Roethlisberger ordered.

[Andymisiu]

Sweed was an amazing pick for us in the second. I can't believe the kind of draft we are having so far. It's silly that a wrist injury held him back in the draft.... who doesn't get an injury? anyway, good for us and I'm really exited about it.

[JEFFRO]

Jeffro, did he produce big time in the playoffs or not?

A simple yes or no will suffice. NO.


I would say Toomer produced big time in the playoffs:
Receiving Rec Yds Avg TDs
Amani Toomer 21 280 13.3 3
Plaxico Burress 18 221 12.3 1


If I recall he dropped an easy touchdown earlier in the SB.

Had it not been for Tyree' s miracle catch he would have been the biggest disappointment on the team. Through the first 59:25 of the game, Burress had only one catch for 14 yards and was a non-factor.

[Punxsutawney]

Plax before NY, was way too lazy for me. Now, at least he is productive, though still seems a bit lazy.


I am sick of people who talk about Burress as a Steeler as if he was a total bust that did not start to produce until he went to New York. Burress WAS productive in Pittsburgh. Did he have some flaws in his game that he improved upon once leaving? Yes, but he was still a HUGE part of the Steelers success from 2001 to 2004. People seem to forget that.

[Punxsutawney]

NO.


.

Burress completely dominated Al Harris and Charles Woodson in the NFCC game.

Plex has become one of the elite recievers in the NFL. It is not disputable as his numbers speak for themselves. People just need to swallow their pride and give the guy his due.

Ben would be an even better QB, if Plex was still around.

[steelberger1]

Burress completely dominated Al Harris and Charles Woodson in the NFCC game.

Plex has become one of the elite recievers in the NFL. It is not disputable as his numbers speak for themselves. People just need to swallow their pride and give the guy his due.

Ben would be an even better QB, if Plex was still around.

I'm not so sure about this. Ben, without his big target, has had to learn to spread the ball around more...which is what made him better.

Of course, now if you throw in another big target....look out. And for the record, I did like Plex...still do.

[JEFFRO]

People just need to swallow their pride and give the guy his due.

Ben would be an even better QB, if Plex was still around.

Plex is just like a Hollywood starlet. She looks great, everybody thinks the world of her but sooner or later she is going to disappoint you in a big way, she will break your heart.

I do not like Plexiglass because he is inconsistent. YES he can make a big play, but he can and will dis-appoint in the end. Glad he is gone. Even happier to have Limas.

[Idioteque]

A buddy of mine recounted to me what Hoge discussed this morning, about the difference between a good college WR and a good NFL WR - and used Sweed as an example. Seems like every highlight they show of him, it's Sweed with a corner right on him and Sweed simply leaping for the ball. In the NFL, those aren't catches. I could care less how big he is, if you can't separate you can't contribute consistently.

I don't see anything in Sweed that tells me he can get separation and get open. Sorry to rain on the parade, but IMO this was a wasted pick on a WR that won't climb past 4th on the depth chart.

[5RINGS]

When did Sweed play at USC?


oooops....

[Hines57]

Like the pick for Ben and the WR depth. Glad we didnt do this in round 1

[DaSwitz]

I'm just glad I have a reason to yell "You stupid Swede!" when I watch Steelers games now... :D

[FlaStGrad]

A buddy of mine recounted to me what Hoge discussed this morning, about the difference between a good college WR and a good NFL WR - and used Sweed as an example. Seems like every highlight they show of him, it's Sweed with a corner right on him and Sweed simply leaping for the ball. In the NFL, those aren't catches. I could care less how big he is, if you can't separate you can't contribute consistently.

I don't see anything in Sweed that tells me he can get separation and get open. Sorry to rain on the parade, but IMO this was a wasted pick on a WR that won't climb past 4th on the depth chart.

Perhaps the QB has something to do with the timing of when the ball arrives and where the DB is in regard to the ball. Big Ben will make some difference.
This is a great pick!

[slashsteel]

And I read that he gets the best separation out of all the tall WR's. So we will just have to wait and see. But I like him, I just hope the wrist won't be a problem.....................

[avoidlloyd]

check out tape or highlights of his junior year. He is a stud, seen him play in person several times and idiotique you are moron if you dont think this kid can get deep or seperate. He was a man among boys in the big 12 and you will learn to love Limas Sweed. He actually made Vince Young look like a decent qb his jr.

[Irv24]

check out tape or highlights of his junior year. He is a stud, seen him play in person several times and idiotique you are moron if you dont think this kid can deep or seperate. He was a man among boys in the big 12 and you will learn to love Limas Sweed. He actually made Vince Young look like a decent qb his jr.

I agree with EVERYTHING you said in this post.
We are not asking Sweed to come in and start this year.
3rd WR, stretch the field, open things up for Hines, Santonio, and Miller.

[FAB802]

Sweed came to the perfect team. At best he is expected to help out as a situational player with Ward and Holmes in place. He has a chance to be a huge luxury for us as a threat in the red zone and in the middle of the field. I think he will get plenty of separation as he's being guarded by a nickel back, while their best two corners cover our two best wide receivers.

[t-bone]

when we go four wide, later on, when Dixon heals.......Holmes, Dixon, Ward, Sweed.....


c'mon.....you gotta love that....Santonio can beat any CB....Sweed certainly has ability....
theres no 3rd DB that can cover Ward, and no 4th DB or LB is gonna cover Dixon..and teams will be distracted by the ARE factor.....throw in Miller and go 5 wide?.....no one in our division can deal with that.....the line may improve, and Ben hopefully Ben throws the ball a little sooner....

and Ward is starting to get little dings every year......there are plays when he can afford to get a breather....Sweed immediatly provides insurance.

[SteelerFan448]

check out tape or highlights of his junior year. He is a stud, seen him play in person several times and idiotique you are moron if you dont think this kid can get deep or seperate. He was a man among boys in the big 12 and you will learn to love Limas Sweed. He actually made Vince Young look like a decent qb his jr.

I watched some highlights. Sweed was schooling the DBs, but Young constantly underthrew the ball, but Sweed still made the play.

[atrain]

I, personally,love the pick. The horns are my second favorite college team. I've seen Limas play live 2 times. Once in austin and once in the cotton bowl in dallas against oklahoma in the red river rivalry game. I have his autograph. A buddy of mine works for the athletic dept at UT. he looks like a stud. i'm from illinois, so I like the Mendenhal pick as well!!

[Blind Official]

IMO, grading this whole draft hinges on Sweed

[BLEEDS]

A buddy of mine recounted to me what Hoge discussed this morning, about the difference between a good college WR and a good NFL WR - and used Sweed as an example. Seems like every highlight they show of him, it's Sweed with a corner right on him and Sweed simply leaping for the ball. In the NFL, those aren't catches. I could care less how big he is, if you can't separate you can't contribute consistently.

I don't see anything in Sweed that tells me he can get separation and get open. Sorry to rain on the parade, but IMO this was a wasted pick on a WR that won't climb past 4th on the depth chart.


What complete BS. We didn't draft this kid to come in and be a #1/#2 WR to stretch the field and get separation. We had Santonio for that.

THIS guy is your BIG TARGET, RED-ZONE, JUMP BALL WR. He fits the mold PERFECTLY.

By the way, he also runs a sub 4.5 40. If you think he can't get separation on #3 DBs' day one, then you're high.

PEACE

-BLEEDS

[markymarc]

Sweed is going to be a great one. Our WR group looks very good right now. We also got another red zone weapon for Ben.

[Steeltime]

I am unclear as to why Sweed would be criticized for fighting CB's for the pass and winning that fight. Because he can't get separation?

So, if he can catch the ball when wide open, he is a pro prospect, though NFL defensive backs and coverage schemes are going to limit the number of times he is wide open.

On the other hand, Sweed shows that he can catch the ball in traffic. He is 6'4", 217 lbs., with a 36" vertical - to think that he is not going to outjump and outmuscle a 5'11", 195 lb. CB for the ball is just wrong.

[Steel Conviction]

We should have drafted a midget (I mean, a "short person") because midgets get all kinds of separation. In traffic, DBs can't keep their eyes on the height impaired receiver and, before you know it, the short person is wide-open.

Why teams keep going for these tall, strong guys that can't get separatation when you can get midgets ... and they are usually unsigned free agents!

[thatrain]

I don't know why anyone would think that Dixon, who the coaches do not want to turn into a 'Slash'-type project, would be the fourth wide over Heath Miller, let alone Nate Washington.

I know Washington isn't a favorite around here, but the kid gets deep on anybody and can make the circus catch. That's worth something in the NFL, even if he struggles with the easy stuff.

[leftcoaststeelerfan]

I don't know why anyone would think that Dixon, who the coaches do not want to turn into a 'Slash'-type project, would be the fourth wide over Heath Miller, let alone Nate Washington.

I know Washington isn't a favorite around here, but the kid gets deep on anybody and can make the circus catch. That's worth something in the NFL, even if he struggles with the easy stuff.
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:MJnbES0CgqNFKM:http://www.imotoraway.com/visual/crystal_ball_LG.jpg


I predict this will be Washington's last year with the Steelers

[Vis Major]

I don't know why anyone would think that Dixon, who the coaches do not want to turn into a 'Slash'-type project, would be the fourth wide over Heath Miller, let alone Nate Washington.



Huh? They said they will explore all potential uses for Dixon.

[pete]

When the coaches said they were looking at Dixon as a QB, I think what they meant was that they weren't going to convert him exclusively to WR.

He'll be our Seneca Wallace.

[kurtistb]

A buddy of mine recounted to me what Hoge discussed this morning, about the difference between a good college WR and a good NFL WR - and used Sweed as an example. Seems like every highlight they show of him, it's Sweed with a corner right on him and Sweed simply leaping for the ball. In the NFL, those aren't catches. I could care less how big he is, if you can't separate you can't contribute consistently.

I don't see anything in Sweed that tells me he can get separation and get open. Sorry to rain on the parade, but IMO this was a wasted pick on a WR that won't climb past 4th on the depth chart.

Of course the highlights would show him snatching passes away from corners draped all over him since one would assume that any WR that before his injury was considered a top 15 pick could catches passes with no one on him. However he does need to work on his route running (like most receivers that come out of college) if he can get that part of his game down a year or two from now we'll have the most effective aerial attack in the league.

[Spike]

........and I say the corners in our division will have nightmares all season

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k62/Longhorn_92/LimasSweed.jpg

[Vis Major]

........and I say the corners in our division will have nightmares all season

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k62/Longhorn_92/LimasSweed.jpg (http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k62/Longhorn_92/LimasSweed.jpg)

I hope he caught that

[Spike]

TD baby!!!!!

We finally got Ben some weapons on offense. Last year D got the 1st two rds.

It was the O's turn for some jazz.


I'm spugin'

[tibor]

Limas Sweed - Scouting Report

<TABLE class=cardtable cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=6><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=playername vAlign=top rowSpan=3>Limas Sweed
#4</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>Teams Interested (College):</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans </TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Scout:</TD><TD>Matt Miller</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Date:</TD><TD>January 11, 2008</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle>Eval Position(s):</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>Birthdate:</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle>WR - Wide Receiver
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>School:</TD><TD>Texas</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=subheader width="20%">Height</TD><TD class=subheader width="20%">Weight</TD><TD class=subheader>40 Time</TD><TD class=subheader>Bench Press</TD><TD class=subheader>Vertical Jump</TD><TD class=subheader>Three Cone</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6'4</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>220</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>4.45</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>N/A</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>N/A</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>N/A</TD></TR><TR><TD class=breakline colSpan=6></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Best Fit Position/Role:</TD><TD colSpan=4>Flanker</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Ideal Schema/Role:</TD><TD colSpan=4>Vertical passing threat</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Games:</TD><TD colSpan=4>None</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Contracts:</TD><TD colSpan=4>None</TD></TR><TR><TD class=breakline colSpan=6></TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle colSpan=6>General Traits

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#999999><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Character / Leadership Ability:</TD><TD colSpan=4>A quiet leader that the team counts on to make plays. Is not very verbal. Leads by example. Has never been a character concern. A hard worker.</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Competitive Nature / Work Ethic:</TD><TD colSpan=4>A very hard worker that has a deep desire to be the best. Quietly goes about his work without expecting acknowledgement. Will attack a play book, weight room or film.</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#999999><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Football Intelligence:</TD><TD colSpan=4>A four-year starter who knows the ins-and-outs of the Texas spread offense. Has a good feel for coverage and knows when to break off his routes. Recognizes man versus zone quickly. A smart player that does not make mistakes.</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Size:</TD><TD colSpan=4>Excellent size. Long arms, lean, tall. Strong enough to beat the jam. Uses his size to shield off defenders.</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#999999><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Athletic Ability:</TD><TD colSpan=4>Superb athlete that was a stand-out track and basketball player in High School. Has good body control and leaping ability. The most athletic wide receiver in the senior class.</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Toughness / Durability:</TD><TD colSpan=4>layed through a sprained left wrist early in the 2007 season, before that eventually caused him to miss the remainder of the season.</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle colSpan=6>Specific Traits - Wide Receiver

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#999999><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Field Vision:</TD><TD colSpan=4>Sees the field very well while running routes. Looks for openings in zones and can sit down effectively in space.</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Speed:</TD><TD colSpan=4>Shows good deep speed, but does not possess short quicks. Will not be an underneath threat. Can run away from defenders. Is faster with the ball in his hands.</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#999999><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Agility:</TD><TD colSpan=4>Is not shifty, but possesses good overall agility. Is built and moves like a basketball player. Great balance and body control.</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Blocking:</TD><TD colSpan=4>Is a willing stock blocker that locks up and drives his man. Uses his lower body and crops his feet. Doesn\\\'t miss many blocks. Looks for contact down field.</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#999999><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Body Control:</TD><TD colSpan=4>Has exceptional body control on the deep ball. Is flexible and bends well in making adjustments.</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Concentration / Hands:</TD><TD colSpan=4>Will sometimes drop the easy pass, especially over the middle. Shows good concentration on the deep ball and makes nice adjustments here.</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#999999><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Release:</TD><TD colSpan=4>Gets good release for a big target. Uses his strength and feet to get off LOS without much contact. Teams facing Texas haven�t tried to press cover Sweed much. Will need work there. Beats the cushion well because of stride and size. Strong off line.</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Route Running:</TD><TD colSpan=4>Works back to the ball well, even though he is not very quick in and out of his breaks. Ideally he will be used on deep routes and put in a position to use his size and athleticism to make plays down the field. A long strider that is deceptive.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=breakline colSpan=6></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#999999><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Additional Comments:</TD><TD colSpan=4>weed entered the 2007 season as one of the premier receivers in the country. His combination of size, strength and hands make him a dangerous player on the edge. The wrist injury has set him back and caused many to question his status for the 2008 NFL Draft. It remains to be seen if Sweed will return for the Holiday Bowl vs Arizona State or the Senior Bowl.</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Injury Concerns:</TD><TD colSpan=4>Sprained ligaments in left wrist, which required surgery.</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#999999><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Could Be As Good As:</TD><TD colSpan=4>Roy Williams, Detroit Lions</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Worst Case:</TD><TD colSpan=4>Dwayne Jarrett, Carolina Panthers</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#999999><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Where He'll Probably Go:</TD><TD colSpan=4>1st Round</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right colSpan=2>Where He Should Go:</TD><TD colSpan=4>Top 15</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Idioteque]

What complete BS. We didn't draft this kid to come in and be a #1/#2 WR to stretch the field and get separation. We had Santonio for that.

THIS guy is your BIG TARGET, RED-ZONE, JUMP BALL WR. He fits the mold PERFECTLY.

By the way, he also runs a sub 4.5 40. If you think he can't get separation on #3 DBs' day one, then you're high.

PEACE

-BLEEDS

Speed doesn't mean separation. Call R. Jay Soward and ask how easy it is to just run past NFL corners. You need technique to get by them and I'd like to see where in Sweed you see that.

Height doesn't mean red-zone, jump-ball anything. I'd say Plaxico "fits the mold perfectly" but was he EVER a red-zone threat with us?

Just being tall doesn't mean ANYTHING. Matt Jones, Reggie Williams, Mike Williams, Dwayne Jarrett, Charles Rogers, and a dozen others over the past half-decade or so can attest to that. Sweed looks like a straight-line, try-to-outrun-the-CB, jump-ball guy with injury problems and a lack of technique. As I said in another thread, if he EVER catches more than 25 passes a year I'll be shocked, and this was too deep a draft (and we have too pathetic an o-line) to grab a #4 wideout in the 2nd round.

[Sluzilla]

idioteque...if you don't see Sweed as getting separation in these clips...and then having to go back for the ball several times...i don't think anyone can help you...i think more than anything you just don't like Sweed...because as much as i hate Texas...dude is a great WR...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AHAhZsrEL4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8UQ2cZuHxw

deep ball...slant...hook...post...fade...he gets the separation he needs almost everytime...and the few times he doesn't...he goes and gets the ball...all around...very good WR...

[Weiner4]

I hope they didn't get a Buress cause that boy was a royal pain in the ass and we don't that again.

Dixon should be darn close to Randle-el, at least that is what I am hoping they went for with him.

[Irv24]

I have to go back and redo my draft grade now.
I had no idea Sweed would never catch over 25 balls in a season.
Colbert should be fired and Tomlin shold be shot

[Spike]

Dixon should be darn close to Randle-el

Sweed - 6'4" 220lbs

Yeah - another El alright............NOT!

[LetMePlay]

Just because I like posting it: Sweed was the best WR in this draft.

I had this dream that we drafted him.

In the second round after 7 other WRs were taken.

[Smooth Criminal]

I can't believe he fell to us in the 2nd. I can't believe 7 other receivers were taken before him. Kinda scares me that the teams know something we don't.

[Steel Dino]

I can't believe he fell to us in the 2nd. I can't believe 7 other receivers were taken before him. Kinda scares me that the teams know something we don't.

Teams get nervous drafting a wideout early in the draft, especially when he has a very bad wrist.......

If he is healthy...we stole him...

[CornerBlitz]

I can't believe he fell to us in the 2nd. I can't believe 7 other receivers were taken before him. Kinda scares me that the teams know something we don't.

Like when teams selected Blackledge, Eason, O'Brien and Kelly in front of Marino ?

[LetMePlay]

Like when teams selected Blackledge, Eason, O'Brien and Kelly in front of Marino ?

Or Rivers over Rothlisberger.

[Mosh Pitt]

Quote:
Originally Posted by scrapdog
IMO, Sweed will bump Nate Washington as the No. 3 receiver by mid-season.

Mid-season? Hell, I'm hoping mid-preseason. We can hope anyway.


LOL. Same here. The fact alone that Sweed can catch will put him up right up there in training camp. The only thing he needs to do is learn the offense and he´s got Nate´s job.

[Steel Dino]

Quote:
Originally Posted by scrapdog
IMO, Sweed will bump Nate Washington as the No. 3 receiver by mid-season.




LOL. Same here. The fact alone that Sweed can catch will put him up right up there in training camp. The only thing he needs to do is learn the offense and he´s got Nate´s job.


Welcome back Mosh!

long time...no post.....

Hope all is well....

[Mosh Pitt]

Thanks SD. I´ve actually been reading the Football Forums often but never actually logged in again. The draft can change that quickly though.......

[DerbyCityBNGfan]

I remember losing it after Dallas took Felix Jones before Mendenhall. I just knew it. Everything made sense, and I remember seeing him get the phone call before it went to commercial, and I lost it. I jumped up and down, I called my dad, I just lost it I was so excited. I could not believe Dallas passed on Mendenhall to take weak-ass Felix Jones. The Sweed pick was strange as well. I knew it like 4-5 picks in advance. It seemed all the picks were going by in seconds. I just knew it again. Same situation. This offense went from ho-hum with a great quarterback to having complete studs all over the field. Should be fun.

[markymarc]

Just because I like posting it: Sweed was the best WR in this draft.

Todd McShay is a big believer in that as well. That would be amazing if in 2 different draft classes and we got the best WR (Holmes and Sweed).

[mightyguru]

........and I say the corners in our division will have nightmares all season

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k62/Longhorn_92/LimasSweed.jpg

Crap, that's beautiful.

[Idioteque]

Just because I like posting it: Sweed was the best WR in this draft.

I had this dream that we drafted him.

In the second round after 7 other WRs were taken.

We all have our opinions, but I respectfully wonder where and how this one comes from brother... :D

[Idioteque]

idioteque...if you don't see Sweed as getting separation in these clips...and then having to go back for the ball several times...i don't think anyone can help you...i think more than anything you just don't like Sweed...because as much as i hate Texas...dude is a great WR...

You mean as a person? LOL, never met the kid.... but as a WR prospect, really, no, not a fan... had him #10 in my WR rankings, as a 3rd-round prospect. I like the idea of picking a big wideout (especially with Groves going ONE pick before us...) but i don't think Sweed is it. Would have MUCH preferred Keenan Burton, a 6'0 1/2" wideout who plays like he's 6'6 and is skilled at getting open. As I've said on here a number of times, give me Houshmandzadeh over Reggie Williams.......

deep ball...slant...hook...post...fade...he gets the separation he needs almost everytime...and the few times he doesn't...he goes and gets the ball...all around...very good WR...

Well, does the opposite as well? simply striding downfield with the cornerback on his heels..... he's a long-strider who doesn't appear to always get a clean release, and I think NFL corners will have very little trouble keeping up with him

[Sluzilla]

Well, i've seen the opposite as well.... simply striding downfield with the cornerback on his heels..... he's a long-strider who doesn't appear to always get a clean release, and I think NFL corners will have very little trouble keeping up with him

he gets behind the CB...and that's your worst criticism?...

jeez...yeah...that changes my mind...he's a bust already...

he doesn't always appear to get a clean release?...show me the WR coming out of college that does...hell...show me the WR in the pros that always does...

[Irv24]

show me the WR coming out of college that does...hell...show me the WR in the pros that always does...

Randy Moss, but I get your point.

[Idioteque]

he gets behind the CB...and that's your worst criticism?...

jeez...yeah...that changes my mind...he's a bust already...

he doesn't always appear to get a clean release?...show me the WR coming out of college that does...hell...show me the WR in the pros that always does...

OK, on his back.... i think you got my point.....

[Idioteque]

he doesn't always appear to get a clean release?...show me the WR coming out of college that does...hell...show me the WR in the pros that always does...

Um, many of them do.. and if you look closely, it's usually a great way to differentiate between college studs/workout warriors and solid NFL WRs.

[FAB802]

Even the experts had no idea who the consensus top receiver was. I don't get anyone who doesn't think he was a steal where we got him. If his wrist is healed properly he will contribute this year. I say 6TD's.

[bearcatsno69]

He has a lot of talent. He will definately have his chance to prove himself this year. He will get a lot of looks from Ben because of Holmes and Ward drawing the coverage. He will be the one getting single coverage with the other 2 being proven threats.

[LetMePlay]

Separation or not Sweed get the ball. Its what impressed me most about him. It really does not matter if he is covered or not because he will come down with the ball.

[Idioteque]

Separation or not Sweed get the ball. Its what impressed me most about him. It really does not matter if he is covered or not because he will come down with the ball.

So did Mike Williams and Dwayne Jarrett, brother. Then NFL cornerbacks opened their bags of tricks.

[CornerBlitz]

Whatb in the hell do Mike Williams and Duane Jarrett have to do with Limas Sweed ? Two slow players compared to a fast player ?

[kurtistb]

So did Mike Williams and Dwayne Jarrett, brother. Then NFL cornerbacks opened their bags of tricks.

Work ethic more than anything are their downfalls, but thats the knock on a ton of USC players. In any case his physical gifts and abilities are undeniable then again thats true of most of the guys who get drafted on day one. What determines a upper echelon players success is how much they want it and how hard they will work at it. The bottom line is if Sweed works hard and accepts the coaching he'll be a success. He seems to be a solid kid so I must say that I do like his chances.

[FAB802]

So did Mike Williams and Dwayne Jarrett, brother. Then NFL cornerbacks opened their bags of tricks.

Roy Williams?

[Steel Dino]

Does anybody really know how his wrist is coming along? Really?

[mike110367]

He's from Texas...just like George W. Bush!

Any comparison's with bush then i guess we drafted an IDIOT...

[Steel Dino]

Any comparison's with bush then i guess we drafted an IDIOT...

Hey mike.....when to make a splash guy!

psst....FYI....That won't go over well around here///:eek:

[mike110367]

Hey mike.....when to make a splash guy!

psst....FYI....That won't go over well around here///:eek:

Thanks for the info Dino, But if they knew anything at all they would know that "w" was not born in texas. Another wanna be...

[Steel Dino]

Thanks for the info Dino, But if they knew anything at all they would know that "w" was not born in texas. Another wanna be...

Second mistake mike ......


don't let facts get in the way of reality.....

[DaSwitz]

Does anybody really know how his wrist is coming along? Really?

NFL Network has a video online where they talked to Sweed at his Pro Day. He said he has 100% mobility back in his wrest (which he said at the Senior Bowl he only had about 10%) and then he showed flex his wrest. I doubt it'll be a problem come training camp.

[Spike]

NFL Network has a video online where they talked to Sweed at his Pro Day. He said he has 100% mobility back in his wrest (which he said at the Senior Bowl he only had about 10%) and then he showed flex his wrest. I doubt it'll be a problem come training camp.

Here it is......"SWEET HANDS" Sweed!


http://<OBJECT height=355 width=425>
&ampnbsp
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7on9_Z506u4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></OBJECT> (http://<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7on9_Z506u4&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7on9_Z506u4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>)

[Steelers.exe]

Dallas huh?.......Their loss. lol

[Spike]

Sweet titties and sweet hands go together.

[LetMePlay]

So did Mike Williams and Dwayne Jarrett, brother. Then NFL cornerbacks opened their bags of tricks.

There are some major differences:
1) Sweed runs crisp routes. Given his size the fact that he does not round off out patterns is really nice.
2) Sweed works hard to improve his game.
3) Sweed can and will block.
4) Sweed is a smart player.
5) Sweed has 4.4 speed and very good game speed.

Other than being tall and black, he has little in common with the others.

[markymarc]

Here it is......"SWEET HANDS" Sweed!


http://<OBJECT height=355 width=425>
&ampnbsp
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7on9_Z506u4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></OBJECT> (http://<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7on9_Z506u4&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7on9_Z506u4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>)

Thanks for sharing Spike. The Steelers do a pretty good job when evaluating players and their injuries. We got lucky when Heath Miller slid to us and I think Sweed will be a monster on the field and his wrist should not be an issue down the road.

[Idioteque]

There are some major differences:
1) Sweed runs crisp routes. Given his size the fact that he does not round off out patterns is really nice.

Where'd you get that? One of the main complaints I read about the guy is that he's a poor route-runner.

[Steelerman]

Regardless of his route running abilities, he's in the NFL now. The level of instruction is quite different and much more intense and scrutinized. I'm sure the kid will adjust quite fine with NFL-calibur coaching.

[BLITZ 43]

Where'd you get that? One of the main complaints I read about the guy is that he's a poor route-runner.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=11774

Not good but not bad, room to improve. Has been rated by most people as the #1 rated WR on many many many sites.

[Spike]

One of the main complaints I read about the guy is that he's a poor route-runner.

I question your reading ability....let's make it simple for you ....just watch the video


http://<OBJECT height=355 width=425>
&nbsp
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S8UQ2cZuHxw&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></OBJECT> (http://<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S8UQ2cZuHxw&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S8UQ2cZuHxw&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>)

[Balls&YourWord]

Where'd you get that? One of the main complaints I read about the guy is that he's a poor route-runner.

But I wweed it on da Internetzzz!!!

You could make the argument that 99% of the wide receivers coming out of the college ranks need to improve their route running once they get into the NFL, that's a common problem.

What I like most about Sweed is that he's very fluid in his running and his breaks, and unlike a lot of taller receivers, he's very fluid and agile in how he uses his hands and body to go up to the ball and make catches. It comes natural to him, whereas for most (Dallas Baker for example), it really doesn't. And he's got legit speed to get separation against NFL cornerbacks, and as he improves his strength he should do a lot better against press coverages. With a lot of these taller receivers, they turn out to look lumbering and slow against NFL corners and they don't have the strength or agility to get off the line or get into their breaks... the Mike Williams, Dwyane Jarrett's of the world for example. I don't think that's going to be a problem with Sweed.

The biggest thing is that both he and Mendenhall pass the eyeball test. When I watch these guys play, and how natural they look on the field, they just look like they were destined to be stars in the NFL. I'm really big on both of those picks for now and especially in the future.

[leftcoaststeelerfan]

I question your reading ability....let's make it simple for you ....just watch the video




This kid has some suhweeeeet hands for sure. Seems to have no trouble running the routes they showed. The other thing that hasn't been mentioned much is his ability to go up for the ball. He's definitely got skills. Great find Spike.

[LetMePlay]

Where'd you get that? One of the main complaints I read about the guy is that he's a poor route-runner.

We need some Bill Cowher perspective.

Anyway, for this size he is very fast out of his cuts. We are talking about a WR that will play in the NFL at close to 220lbs. He will never be as fast as someone the size of El out of his cuts.

[Idioteque]

But I wweed it on da Internetzzz!!!

I suppose you went to some private scouting sessions for Sweed, eh? Interview him and his family? Lunch with some Steeler scouts? :D :D :D

You could make the argument that 99% of the wide receivers coming out of the college ranks need to improve their route running once they get into the NFL, that's a common problem.

Well, my post addressed the poster who told us what a great route runner he is. Now it's "uh, yeah, he doesn't run routes well but no one else does!!"..... which isn't exactly true anyway.

The biggest thing is that both he and Mendenhall pass the eyeball test. When I watch these guys play, and how natural they look on the field, they just look like they were destined to be stars in the NFL. I'm really big on both of those picks for now and especially in the future.

Should we just ignore ALL the negatives about him and assume they'll just go away?

Doesn't it make you wonder why a minor li'l wrist injury made The Greatest Receiver In The Draft tumble to the bottom of the 2nd? Donnie Avery and Jordy Nelson go almost a full round before him, but it's just because every other team is run by idiots, I guess.

[FlaStGrad]

Doesn't it make you wonder why a minor li'l wrist injury made The Greatest Receiver In The Draft tumble to the bottom of the 2nd? Donnie Avery and Jordy Nelson go almost a full round before him, but it's just because every other team is run by idiots, I guess.

I'm still wondering why the greatest QB of all time went in the 6th round. Hmmmmm....

[Spike]

. Great find Spike.

The part I liked about that highlight video is he never celebrates in the EZ.

He just drops the ball and that's it......like he been there before.

[Balls&YourWord]

I suppose you went to some private scouting sessions for Sweed, eh? Interview him and his family? Lunch with some Steeler scouts? :D :D :D



Well, my post addressed the poster who told us what a great route runner he is. Now it's "uh, yeah, he doesn't run routes well but no one else does!!"..... which isn't exactly true anyway.



Should we just ignore ALL the negatives about him and assume they'll just go away?

Doesn't it make you wonder why a minor li'l wrist injury made The Greatest Receiver In The Draft tumble to the bottom of the 2nd? Donnie Avery and Jordy Nelson go almost a full round before him, but it's just because every other team is run by idiots, I guess.

You'd be surprised. Especially with a lot of these GMs fighting for their jobs year to year, they'll pass on the red flag guys for a safer pick, especially if they think that safer pick can make a quicker impact on their respective team. Whereas Sweed missed most of his senior season, I'm sure a lot of GMs consider that too big of a risk to invest such a high pick on.

I respect your concerns though, there have been so many misses on top wideouts it seems... the last few years especially.

[Idioteque]

I'm still wondering why the greatest QB of all time went in the 6th round. Hmmmmm....

Probably the exception, not the rule.

btw...... the greatest QB of all time went in the third.

[FlaStGrad]

Probably the exception, not the rule.

btw...... the greatest QB of all time went in the third.

No, actually, the greatest QB went in the 1st round... and he was the first pick overall.

[FAB802]

No, actually, the greatest QB went in the 1st round... and he was the first pick overall.

No shit, how dare Idiot disrespect Tim Couch like that.

[CornerBlitz]

Great article on how the Steelers targeted Sweed, they wanted Sweed over all the other WRS and OVER Quinton Groves. They snookered the Bungles into selecting Jerome Simpson instead of Sweed. The Steelers also would have considered Sweed at #23 but thought he would have already been drafted.


http://mvn.com/nfl-steelers/2008/05/01/steelers-trickery-leads-to-bengals-blunder-and-allows-steelers-to-land-sweed/

[SteelerFan448]

Neat article there. Always fun to here some behind the scenes draft stuff.

[Vis Major]

but the grammar is terrible. No proofreaders?

[jasen@cardiostack]

Todd McShay is a big believer in that as well. That would be amazing if in 2 different draft classes and we got the best WR (Holmes and Sweed).

holmes might have been ranked the highest in that draft but he hasnt been the best wr of that draft

[Supersteeler]

holmes might have been ranked the highest in that draft but he hasnt been the best wr of that draft

Well he certainly hasn't been too shabby.

[Supersteeler]

Look at it this way, we could have taken Chad Jackson instead....ugh.

[LetMePlay]

holmes might have been ranked the highest in that draft but he hasnt been the best wr of that draft

Holmes was 1 of 33 WRs selected in the draft. Which ones have been better? How many have been better with a Pro Bowl WRs in front of them?

[Steeltime]

Holmes was 1 of 33 WRs selected in the draft. Which ones have been better?

Marques Colston?

He was selected in the 7th round, and thus far he has caught 168 passes for 2240 yards, and 19 TD's.

[98owsthemiddle]

the only one with a comparable career is Greg Jennings.

[LetMePlay]

Colston and Jennings are all I could come up with.

[Ski_Alta]

I question your reading ability....let's make it simple for you ....just watch the video


http://<OBJECT height=355 width=425>
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you know, typically i'm content to just lurk on this board and never say anything (which is probably better for all parties involved), but i just had to comment on this limas sweed video.

HOLY S#!T!!

i've watched this thing three times and still can't figure out which one of those plays i liked best!

[dobre shunka]

That article has the waft of bullcrap all over it.

[FAB802]

Who cares. It's not like any of that was against upper level talent like Oklahoma or Ohio State. :rolleyes:

[Spike]

you know, typically i'm content to just lurk on this board and never say anything (which is probably better for all parties involved), but i just had to comment on this limas sweed video.

HOLY S#!T!!

i've watched this thing three times and still can't figure out which one of those plays i liked best!

...and still I get no karma

[jasen@cardiostack]

Marques Colston?

He was selected in the 7th round, and thus far he has caught 168 passes for 2240 yards, and 19 TD's.

thank you and this is exactly who is was thinking of. so at this time holmes hasnt been the best wr of that draft, which is what i was saying.

[LetMePlay]

thank you and this is exactly who is was thinking of. so at this time holmes hasnt been the best wr of that draft, which is what i was saying.

Of the WRs that anyone had a clue about, he has been the best. Did you know we scouted players at Hofstra? Still not sure why we did not draft him. I guess that since 31 other teams passed on him 6 times nobody else has a clue either.

Even if Holmes has not been the best he certainly has been a top 3 WR from the draft.

[Supersteeler]

Of the WRs that anyone had a clue about, he has been the best. Did you know we scouted players at Hofstra? Still not sure why we did not draft him. I guess that since 31 other teams passed on him 6 times nobody else has a clue either.

Even if Holmes has not been the best he certainly has been a top 3 WR from the draft.

That is not good enough apparently. We should have been smart enough to take Colston with our first overall pick because everybody knew he would be awesome.

[CornerBlitz]

That is not good enough apparently. We should have been smart enough to take Colston with our first overall pick because everybody knew he would be awesome.

Idioteque had him listed as the #1 WR on his board and Holmes as the #10 WR, he's a genius.

[Idioteque]

Idioteque had him listed as the #1 WR on his board and Holmes as the #10 WR, he's a genius.

Your credibility is gone until you answer for yourself.

[CornerBlitz]

My credibility, LMFAO,you are the idiot who ranks Sweed #10, explain your own . Sweed is a stud, the best WR in the draft but YOU profess to be the expert as always.

[Idioteque]

Actually, I pointed out that I'm NOT an expert, never claimed to be. You're so beligerent it's not even funny.

I've explained my stance on Sweed many times.

[CornerBlitz]

You're the pompous ass that has a draft board and you felt the need to rip him and Mendenhall , speaking of stu[pid and belligerent

[Idioteque]

Like you ripping Larry Foote?

[pete]

Grown men arguing on the internet is funny.

[CornerBlitz]

Foote has played in the NFL for years, anybody can form an opinion on his play. You rip Sweed and Mendenhall yet have garbege ranked higher than them but of course this will also go over your head.

[Supersteeler]

This went up today.

Steelers | Sweed redzone target in offense?
Tue, 6 May 2008 10:37:51 -0700

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports Pittsburgh Steelers WR Limas Sweed established himself as a redzone presence for QB Ben Roethlisberger during the team's minicamp.

How bout them apples?

[Spike]

Did you watch the video? I'm not surprised.

[Supersteeler]

Did you watch the video? I'm not surprised.

Shit, I was chanting his name for the 5 minutes we were on the clock and I went crazy when the pick was announced. I know he's gonna be a bad mofo.

[Spike]

Don't sweat the technique


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[Sheffieldsteel]

, I was chanting his name for the 5 minutes we were on the clock and I went crazy when the pick was announced. I