One of the things I like about the situation with the Steelers' top two draft picks is that they both seem to be good citizens who are coming in with their heads on properly. Neither Rashard Mendenhall nor Limas Sweed has come in talking trash or claiming to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. Each has a reputation as being very coachable. In interviews, each comes across as humble and hard-working. Those attributes will be very helpful in their transition to the pros. It is especially refreshing to see this from a wide receiver. Personality tests show that wide receivers are usually the most individualistic and brash members on football teams-- and certainly there has been enough evidence in the popular media to support that notion-- with WRs like Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson, Randy Moss, etc. among the most out-spoken, me-centered players in the league. It is uncommon to see wide receivers come in humble with a team-centered approach.
Another very nice thing to see with the drafting of Mendenhall and Sweed is the way the team's veterans have embraced the newcomers. Willie Parker said he welcomed the addition of a complimentary power back, and Hines Ward (somewhat uncharacteristically) has publicly made a point of mentoring Sweed. In the past, Ward has had good reason to be upset about the Steelers drafting some WRs. Ward's first couple of years with the team, it seemed as though the team were actively trying and hoping to replace him. But I think Ward now feels secure enough with himself and his place on the team, and confident that his role as a starter is not in jeopardy from the young talent, that he is able to look at the acquisition of young receivers like Santonio Holmes and Sweed as a positive for the team.
That kind of positive support is an asset and should only improve the team.
|
