First and Ten with Limas Sweed

Wide receiver Limas Sweed was the Steelers second-round draft pick this past April. The former Texas receiver figures to challenge veteran Nate Washington for the third receiver spot this fall. PSR Editor Tony DeFazio chatted with Sweed after practice last month.

PSR: You had wrist surgery last fall. How's that coming along?

Sweed: No issues at all. I'm lifting weights, catching passes, doing everything. It's fine.

PSR: How have you been adapting to the offense?

Sweed: A lot's been thrown not only at me, but at all the freshman guys. I feel like overall, with the older guys and the coaches meeting with us every day, I feel like the younger guys, for the most part, are getting it.

PSR: How much does it help to have veteran players such as Hines Ward helping you get acclimated?

Sweed: It helps out a lot to have guys like Hines Ward, Willie Parker, Nate Washington…really all the older guys. Charlie Batch. They're helping me come along a lot quicker. They show that they care about this team and they care about winning.

PSR: What's been the biggest adjustment so far?

Sweed: The playbook. A college playbook is maybe only half the size of an NFL playbook…maybe even smaller. I think this playbook might be three times the size of my Texas playbook, man (laughs). So that's been the biggest adjustment for me, just learning all the plays and also learning more than one position.

PSR: Can you draw any parallels between stepping from high school into an elite program like Texas, to going from college to the NFL?

Sweed: I can draw some small parallels, but when I came to Texas I adjusted pretty good and it was OK. It wasn't too hard. But coming from college to the pros… This IS professional. So it takes a little bit more time, but I'm being patient with it. I'm glad the coaches are being patient with me, and the veteran players are patient with me. But I'm coming. It takes some time, but I'm coming.

PSR: How's your contract situation progressing?

Sweed: I don't know. I think things are pretty much slotted anyway, so that will take care of itself. I'm just focused on learning the plays, that's my main focus right now. The money is what it is.

PSR: You'll have a bit of a break before training camp starts in July. What's your plan for that time?

Sweed: Staying right here. When I come back for summer camp, I want to have no doubts and be able to know it all. I feel comfortable leaving today on a good note, and I'm going to come back Tuesday and pick up right where I left off.