Steelers sign their key rookies to contracts

Steeler Running backs stretching during practice. Willier Parker who was leading the NFL in rushing until he broke his leg (L) next to rookie Rashard Mendenhall who’s hoping to be the back up to Willie.

1^st round pick, #23 - RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois. Signs a 5 year contract 2 days before training camp started.

2^nd round pick, # 53 - WR Limas Sweed, Texas. Signs a 4 year contract. 1 day before training camp started.

Bruce Davis on the practice field. This UCLA bruin great will be competing for outside linebacker snaps.

3^rd round pick, #88 - DE Bruce Davis, UCLA. Signs 3 year contract, $1.64 million, $500,000 signing bonus.

5th, #156 - QB Dennis Dixon, Oregon – Signs 3 year contract, $130,000 signing bonus.

All rookies are in & practicing.

Rashard Mendenhall – should back up started Willie Parker who’s coming off an injury that kept him out of the Steelers close loss to the Jaguars in the playoffs last year. This should allow for Willie to play a slightly less load while he regains his health. Rashard will compete for playing time with Mewelde Moore & Gary Russell as primary backup to Parker.

WR Limas Sweed – should be able to get a lot of playing time. Starters are (ex Super Bowl MVP) Hines Ward & Santonio Holmes (who played well in the 2^nd half of the season). His biggest competitor for other WR spot should be Nate Washington.

DE Bruce Davis - was drafted to play outside linebacker & comes from similar molds of players like Joey Porter, Clark Haggans and Jason Gildon. None of them were high round picks & were Defensive Ends in college but were converted to productive outside linebackers as Steelers, a few pro bowl years were there for them. Hoping this ex Bruin can have pro bowl years with the Steelers too. Steelers hope to use Davis to spell their two starting outside linebackers, Pro Bowler James Harrison and second-year man LaMarr Woodley.

QB Dennis Dixon – This was a surprise pick because DE position hadn’t been addressed yet & because they have a stud Big Ben Roethlisberger (Pro Bowler) and decent back up in experienced Charlie Batch at the position. Dixon still hasn’t fully recovered from a torn ACL sustained late last season at Oregon. Dixon’s powerful arm & great potential might be able to complete for the back up to Big Ben possible in 2009 when he should be fully healed from his torn ACL.