Their top two draft picks both came to terms two days before training camp opened. First-rounder Rashard Mendenhall signed a five-year contract worth $12.55 million, with $7.125 million in guarantees. Second-rounder Limas Sweed signed a four-year deal. That leaves them with all seven rookies under contract and no veteran holdouts. They released WR Matt Trannon, a first-year pro, to put their roster at the required 81, which includes one international exemption.
EXPECTED BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Sean Mahan vs. Justin Hartwig for starting center -- Mahan signed as a UFA last year from Tampa Bay, where Mike Tomlin served as secondary coach while he was there. Mahan showed he could not handle the big nose tackles, especially when facing a 3-4 defense. They signed Hartwig for a song after Carolina released him and believe he can return to the kind of form that made him a good center for the Tennessee Titans.
OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Second-year LB Lawrence Timmons will try to take Larry Foote's starting job on the inside. ... OT Max Starks wants to reclaim his job on the right from Willie Colon, who took it from him last summer.
ROOKIE REPORT: The plan for RB Rashard Mendenhall is to work him in with Willie Parker and also see if he can return kicks. Coach Mike Tomlin said how Mendenhall is used will depend on the rookie. ... WR Limas Sweed will be given a chance to take the No. 3 job from Nate Washington, but it's more likely he will settle in at No. 4. ... OLB Bruce Davis must learn the position after playing end at UCLA, where he had 24.5 sacks the past two seasons. He will get a chance to be an occasional situational pass rusher. ... OT Tony Hills has a real shot at making the team as the No. 4 tackle. ... QB Dennis Dixon is ticketed to be No. 3 this season with a chance to take over for backup Charlie Batch next year. ... ILB Mike Humpal is a sleeper who will get a real opportunity to be the No. 4 man inside. ... S Ryan Mundy is slow but smart and likely will challenge Tyrone Carter for a roster spot.
INJURY REPORT: As of their reporting day Sunday, only DE Travis Kirschke (ankle) might be somewhat limited unless something new develops.
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