ESPN’s Hashmarks Chimes in from Steelers MiniCamp

ESPN columnist James Walker is at Steelers minicamp and shared his thoughts today on Hashmarks

Hashmarks is live this weekend at Steelers minicamp. Here are some observations from Day 1:

-Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger asked for bigger targets during the off-season and the team is trying to accommodate him. Outside of the starters, most of Pittsburgh’s receiver group resembles an NBA basketball team. Rookie Limas Sweed (6-foot-4), Matt Trannon (6-6) and Dallas Baker (6-3) are all lanky. So are tight ends Heath Miller (6-5) and Matt Spaeth (6-7).

-Veteran receiver Hines Ward did not participate because he’s recovering from minor knee surgery. He had a slight PCL and MCL tear in his knee that he played through most of the season. Steelers safety Troy Polamalu also sat out to rest his knee.

-First impression of rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall is impressive. He’s thick, stays low to the ground, caught the ball well and made some nice moves out of the backfield.

-The most jubilant player in Pittsburgh’s locker room today was rookie and former Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon. Although he’s only “85 percent,” today was Dixon’s first action since a major knee injury ended his Heisman Trophy campaign. Dixon, who will be limited this weekend, was a fifth-round pick of the Steelers and likely will be used in the “Slash” role on trick plays.

“The doctors back in Oregon say they could fully release me in about a month,” Dixon said. “I want to do more than what I’m doing now, but the doctors are trying to keep it cool and calm, which I understand.”

-For all the hardcore Steelers fans, the rookie jersey numbers for 2008 are in. Mendenhall will wear No. 34, Sweed No. 14, Dixon No. 2 and linebacker Bruce Davis will wear No. 53.