Keenan Lewis and Mendy looking good at OTAs

[hawaiiansteel]

Pittsburgh Steelers OTA notes


June, 1, 2010
By James Walker


PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers took the practice field Tuesday with Ben Roethlisberger's much-anticipated return.

Here are several notes and observations:

* Roethlisberger played with the first team and he looked pretty good. He even looked slimmer than he did earlier this offseason. We will have more on Roethlisberger later in the AFC North blog.

* Veteran quarterback Byron Leftwich did not participate in practice -- he was out with an excused absence. It's unknown how the Steelers would have divided the snaps had Leftwich been available, because he has run the first team so far. At some point that will be something the Steelers have to figure out.


http://thisiswheretofindsports.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/rashard-mendenhall-2.jpg

* Rashard Mendenhall ran the ball well today. I try not to overrate football in shorts -- especially with running backs because there is no contact -- but Mendenhall looks very comfortable in his role as the go-to guy.

* Watch out for second-year cornerback Keenan Lewis. He's big and he's fast, which always looks impressive this time of year. Lewis will have to make a lot more plays in camps this year if he wants to earn playing time. But at the very least, he looks the part physically. Lewis will compete with William Gay and Joe Burnett for the nickel and dime roles.



http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/pos...lers-ota-notes

[hawaiiansteel]

rookie CB Crezdon Butler must be doing a few things right at the OTAs also as he was recently allowed to run with the first team as a reward for his hard work...this is an excerpt from a recent Wexell blog:


* "Ike Taylor didn’t play with the first team so DBs coach Ray Horton could look at rookie Crezdon Butler at first-team right cornerback. It was a heavy nickel day and William Gay stayed at that position, but it was also done to recognize Butler’s hard work and fine play this spring."

[williar]

I'm really hoping that K. Lewis makes some significant progress already. Lord knows we can use his contributions. Lewis was the buzz early on in training camp last year, then fell off the map.

[Oviedo]

I'm really hoping that K. Lewis makes some significant progress already. Lord knows we can use his contributions. Lewis was the buzz early on in training camp last year, then fell off the map.

From what I recall, he got a nagging back injury towards the end of camp.

[steelblitz]

If Lewis and Butler can continue to make strides, it goes a long way in bolstering arguably the weakest links and making the D elite.

Either way the depth at CB is far better than it was last year. We could eventually see Bmac and Lewis splitting time. With Gay and Burnett sliding over inside to their more natural slot position.

[hawaiiansteel]

If Lewis and Butler can continue to make strides, it goes a long way in bolstering arguably the weakest links and making the D elite.

Either way the depth at CB is far better than it was last year. We could eventually see Bmac and Lewis splitting time. With Gay and Burnett sliding over inside to their more natural slot position.


and we'll actually have the ability to let Ike Taylor go and not be forced to pay him more money that he deserves in case he has another mediocre season this year...same can be said for Willie Gay who is also in the last year of his contract.

[steelblitz]

Agreed, Options....

When it comes to financial terms, DEPTH = leverage and options

They better get a looksy at the young guys this year, and not sit on their hands.