How Close We Are... (continued)

Today I will continue my look at the Steelers roster by focusing in on the Wide Receivers and Tight Ends.
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Wide Receivers: B




1) Hines Ward
2) Santonio Holmes
3) Nate Washington
4) Limas Sweed
5) Willie Reid

- Hines Ward may not be the #1 guy for the duration of this season. He is coming off knee surgery and is getting up there in years. Yet no one will deny his importance as a pass catcher, run blocker and leader. Ward had a few nice games last year, particularly his 11 catch performance against the Bengals on Sunday night. If he can put up performances like that on a more continual basis he could find himself back in the Pro-Bowl.

- Santonio Holmes blossomed magnificently last year into a great Receiver for the Steelers. He was the best receiver on the team last season and filled in while Ward struggled with injuries. His blazing speed and elusiveness helps him break short passes into long touchdowns. If he shows more of that effort like that he will be the #1 guy by seasons end.

- Nate Washington is maybe the most inconsistent Wide Out in the NFL. He has games where he catches multiple TD's (MNF vs. Ravens) and has other games where he looks like he greased up his hands. He has the potential to be a good 2nd Receiver one day if he can work on his consistency.

- Maybe the biggest question of Training Camp is "How will Sweed contribute?" Besides having the best name in the NFL, he also brings good size and speed to the table. It is not hard to believe that if Washington catches a case of the drops again this season that Sweed will be the #3 guy. He will be used like Plaxico Burress was in his time here close to the goal line, in order to utilize his size. Big Ben asked for a big target, now lets see if he will get one.

- Wille Reid needs a new set of hands (See: the Steelers 16th game last season). He has the potential to be a return threat but needs to stop dropping the ball so much to surpass the talent that new addition Mewelde Moore has brought in.
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Tight Ends: B+



1) Heath Miller
2) Matt Spaeth
3) Jon Dekker
4) Cody Boyd

- Miller started to become an elite Tight End in the first 9 games of the season. He was thrown right into the passing game and utilized greatly in red zone situations. He is a phenomenal blocker for the run and the pass and has a great set of hands. Unfortunately, Miller really lost his Pro Bowl potential in the final weeks of the season by never having more than 40 yards receiving after week 10. But He still finished with 47 catches for 566 yards and 7 TD's last season.

- Spaeth caught 5 passes last season. 3 were TD's. He has a good ability to catch passes but is rarely utilized because of the offensive format brought in by Mike Tomlin. He was mainly used in close goal situations along with MIller. If the Steelers decide to use a 2 Tight End scheme in situations this season he could see a lot more time and numbers.

- Dekker and Boyd will be battling it out in camp for a possible 3rd spot on the team, if the Steelers go that route. Boyd brings incredible size (6'8", 264 lbs.). Dekker played in 3 games last season but did not touch the stat sheet whatsoever. It is unlikely that either will make the final roster, but if there is an injury they will want to work hard to fill in.
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Tomorrow I will talk about the Offensive Line... or whatever those players are who represent an offensive Line.