Five Young Pittsburgh Steelers Who Will Have A Great Impact This Season

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PITTSBURGH - MAY 01: Mike Wallace #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs a pass route during rookie training camp at the Pittsburgh Steelers Practice Facility on May 1, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

The Steelers have few question marks as the 2009 season quickly approaches, but do have places for improvement.

These young players will provide the Steelers with an even better chance to win the Super Bowl this year than last. If they can step up, then you see a trip Super Bowl XLIV this coming season.

No. 5: WR Mike Wallace

PITTSBURGH - MAY 01: Third round draft pick Mike Wallace #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks with Santonio Holmes #10 during rookie training at the Pittsburgh Steelers Practice Facility on May 1, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/

The Steelers had an inconsistent group of wide receivers last season. Though they showed excellence, they need improvement. Mike Wallace has blazing speed and should replace Nate Washington as a legitimate deep threat. Wallace also provides excitement on kick and punt returns.

No. 4: CB William Gay

PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: William Gay #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers defends on a pass play against Derrick Mason #85 of the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Be

William Gay showed that he could be counted on when injuries were to occur. With the Steelers pass rush still intact, he may only have to be in coverage for four seconds.

If he plays as well as he did last season, he may be considered an upgrade over Bryant McFadden.

No. 3: WR Limas Sweed

PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: Limas Sweed #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers lies on the field after he landed hard on a play where he couldn't make a reception against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pi

Limas Sweed had a terrible rookie campaign, and he knows it. Limas should be out tere to prove he is NFL ready.

Reports out of OTA's say he has been impressive. History is on Limas Sweed's side. Steelers receivers that had great careers, had terrible rookie seasons.

No. 2: LB Lawrence Timmons

CINCINNATI - OCTOBER 19: Lawrence Timmons #94 of the Pittsburgh Steelers sacks Ryan Fitzpatrick #11 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium on October 19, 2008 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Timmons has shown that he is capable of starting. If the team wasn't confident in him, they wouldn't have released Larry Foote.

This man can be a Steelers legend, starting next season.

No. 1: RB Rashard Mendenhall

PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers returns a kick against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half on September 21, 2008 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Get

Rashard Mendenhall had his season cut short, so we didn't see much of him. Willie Parker is in the final season of his contract and Mendenhall knows it.

Mendenhall's goal this season is to outplay Parker to show that he can be a starter. Parker's goal is to outplay Mendenhall so he can get a new contract. It looks like the Steelers may be set at running back this season.

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