OTA Notebook: For the Steelers, spring semester is over

For the Steelers, spring semester is over.

They went through their last of 14 scheduled organized team activity workouts on Thursday, and coach Mike Tomlin was ecstatic about what he's seen in recent weeks.

"We just put the finishing touches on what has been a very productive OTA session for us," he said. "I thought we had a successful off-season from a teaching standpoint. We provided guys with plenty of opportunities to get reps and learn. Guys who needed rehabilitation got that.

"As we sit here today, all-in-all, it was a pretty productive off-season for us."

Even though the majority of the regulars from last year's Super Bowl team attended all or most OTAs, it's the newcomers and a handful of younger players who got the most out of these practices.

It was a time to watch draft picks like first-rounder Ziggy Hood, who's making the transition from a 4-3 defensive tackle in college to a 3-4 defensive end in Pittsburgh.

"The one thing that stood out about him is he's willing to and capable of running to the football," Tomlin said of Hood. "He covers a lot of ground for a big man."

In the OTAs, inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons and cornerback William Gay eased into their starting roles (Timmons replaces Larry Foote, who was cut; Gay replaces Bryant McFadden, who left via free agency).

The OTAS provided Rashard Mendenhall, last year's first-round draft pick, a chance to work his way back into the running back rotation.

"Watching those guys move around the building and be comfortable in their shoes, I like where they are," Tomlin said. "They understand how we do business here. I think they are developing an understanding of how they fit in the big picture. Ultimately, the quality of their play will determine what their roles are.

"No question we held those guys in high regard when we drafted them. That is why we drafted them where we drafted them. They are going through a process to become the players they aspire to be."

The OTAs also provided a mini-preview of some intriguing training camp battles that will commence on that first day of practice on Saturday, Aug. 1.

Perhaps the most intriguing of those competitions will be at wide receiver, where the Steelers need to replace No. 3 wideout Nate Washington, another free agent defection.

When asked if Limas Sweed, a second-round pick last year, has the inside track, Tomlin said