When the month of March started, it seemed that the Steelers very well might look to the 2010 NFL draft to solidify their wide receiver depth. At that time the Steelers had 7 receivers on their roster with only Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and Mike Wallace being sure things. The other 4 receivers at the time included the troubled Limas Sweed and 3 inexperienced, training camp bodies. You could also add Stefan Logan to the list if you really wanted, but for all practical purposes he is merely a specialist.
Fast forward a couple of weeks and the Steelers have added former Steelers wide receiver Antwaan Randle El and 49ers free agent Arnaz Battle. Both signed deals that would imply that they are indeed expected to make final 53 man roster. If indeed they both do, this would give the Steelers 5 opening day wide receivers and one would expect that Limas Sweed would be showcased during pre season for a trade and if not, then released on the final cut down day.
For the 2009 season, the Steelers mainly carried 5 wide receivers on the 53 man roster throughout the year, 6 if you want to consider Logan a receiver. Undrafted rookie Tyler Grisham also saw some time late in the season as well after Sweed was placed in injured reserve. The club has not yet given up on Grisham according to reports.
What does this all mean? For one thing, Sweed as we all know is all but done in Pittsburgh. It is just a matter of time before he is traded or released. Both Randle El and Battle at this point in time should be considered locks to make roster. Battle more so as a special teamer and 5th receiver. This almost assures that the Steelers will not be drafting a receiver in April as well. Many thought the Steelers would eye Golden Tate from Notre Dame or Demaryius Thomas from Georgia Tech, but that just isn\’t going to happen now. They could sign one or two undrafted free agents following the draft, but even that seems like a long shot right now. The Steelers are set at wide receiver for 2010 and can turn their attention to other priotrity positions in the draft and work on getting Holmes extended following the draft.
