Training Camp

Once again the Steelers managed to get all their draft picks signed and into camp on time. That's just how quality organizations do it. It's nice to have fan bragging rights with all non Steeler fans and for that matter non Penguin fans, but it's time again to show everyone else more evidence that the Steelers will continue their greatness.
Each day I'm going to look at a position, today I'll start out with the Wide Receivers in the order I think the depth chart will shake out. It's looking like they'll probably keep 5, with another on the practice squad.
Of course the number 1 and number 2 receivers are set, a certain guy named Hines Ward likely is set as one of those 2. Santonio Holmes, after his fabulous catch on the Steelers last drive, is set to take over the number 1 spot, but Hines will have something to say about that as he showed last year. He will never give up his spot without a fight.
They will be looking for a number 3 wide receiver to take over for Nate Washington. It won't be an easy task, Nate made some great leaps and catches in some crunch time situations during his Steelers career, but he had his share of drops too.
Candidates for the rest of the spots are:
Number 3 Limas Sweed. I cringe watching replays and seeing him drop that deep pass for a likely touchdown in the playoffs. But he's big, 6'4" and has the big time college experience at Texas to his advantage. The Steelers believed they had a steal drafting him in the second round.
Shaun McDonald, a 7th year pro who last played for the The Detroit, 0-16, Lions. That is a shock to someone's culture, going from a winless team to a Super Bowl winner. I'm thinking he'll be the number 4 with an outside chance at number 3 if Limas doesn't play well, if he works hard and shows some dependability in training camp. Not a speed burner or anything but they're looking for dependability.
I'm thinking number 5 will be Dallas Baker. He's a 6'3" receiver out of Florida. Spent most of 2 years on the practice squad. His size doesn't hurt and I've seen a lot of good things said about his work ethic and performance, hasn't translated to the regular season though, yet. This may be his year.
The rest of the group will fight for Baker or McDonald's spot or a practice squad or special teams spot. They include: Mike Wallace, a rookie draft pick out of Mississippi, Martin Nance a second year player out of Miami of Ohio (could get some support from another Miami grad playing QB), Stephen Black, a rookie out of Memphis, Tyler Grisham a rookie out of Clemson, Brandon Williams, a four year vet out of Wisconsin. I look for Mike Wallace to make the team as a special teams player, but I don't think the others have much of a chance with the Steelers.
Tomorrow I'll take a look at Tight Ends. The only big question there is will Heath Miller get an extension before he becomes a free agent. Til tomorrow.

Love the picture of the guy with the Troy Polamullet in the Post-Gazette blog today, http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/blogngold/archive/2009/08/03/sdgfsdfgsdg.aspx?CommentPosted=true#commentmessage