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The Pittsburgh Steelers, the reigning champions of the AFC North, continue to build the way they always have -- through the draft.

Selecting first-round tailback Rashard Mendenhall out of Illinois and second-round receiver Limas Sweed of Texas could turn out to be major steals for Pittsburgh. Neither player will start this season, but both could play important roles in the offense.

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Fifth-round QB Dennis Dixon also could be used on offense during trick plays. Dixon was the leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy until a knee injury ended his senior season.

Coming off a $102 million contract extension, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had another solid minicamp and looks poised to put up big numbers once again. Last year he threw for 3,154 yards and a career-high 32 touchdowns, and there is no reason to believe he cannot be just as stellar this season with the team's added weapons.

The defense was tops in the NFL in 2007 and again should be one of the league's stingiest units. Outside linebacker Clark Haggans, who signed with the Arizona Cardinals, was the only significant loss on that side of the football. But Pittsburgh expects Lawrence Timmons or LaMarr Woodley, both of whom are second-year players, to step in and fill that role.

What we learned from minicamp

The Steelers want to go big on offense.

Roethlisberger asked for bigger receivers and, lo and behold, Pittsburgh's newest skill players resemble an NBA team. New acquisitions Sweed (6-foot-4), Matt Trannon (6-6) and 2007 draft pick Dallas Baker (6-3) join tight ends Heath Miller (6-5) and Matt Spaeth (6-7) as bigger red zone targets.

Starters Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes remain the stalwarts in the passing game. Ward sat out this offseason after knee surgery, but Holmes looked very impressive as Roethlisberger's favorite target in minicamp. Holmes was very sharp and in great shape, and he was the hardest receiver for the Steelers' defense to contain in team drills.

Sweed also caught the ball well and is coming along fine after a wrist injury dropped his stock a little in the draft. Sweed and third-year veteran Nate Washington should have a good competition for the No. 3 receiver spot in training camp.

Still unresolved

Pittsburgh didn't do much to address its shaky offensive line.

The Steelers lost former All-Pro Alan Faneca, who left a gaping hole at guard. The team signed Justin Hartwig from the Carolina Panthers, who can play both guard and center. But the team can use help at both positions.

The running game was solid last year, but pass protection remains Pittsburgh's biggest weakness. Roethlisberger was sacked 47 times last year and 93 times total the past two seasons. Even at 6-5, 241 pounds, no quarterback should have to endure that kind of beating.

If Hartwig remains at his natural position, he could be a solid center and an upgrade there this season. But questions still remain at guard and tackle, as opposing defenses were often able to collapse the pocket in the passing game and force Roethlisberger to make plays with his legs, throw on the run, or take a sack.

Injury analysis

"Fast" Willie Parker lived up to his nickname in minicamp. He hasn't lost much of his speed coming off a broken fibula, but the team was cautious, keeping him out of the second half of two-a-days.

Parker says he's fine and that sitting out was just a precautionary measure. He is expected to increase his workload by training camp. Last year, he was leading the NFL in rushing with 1,316 yards before he broke his leg in December.

Ward played on a bad knee for most of last year but had it corrected in the offseason. He also says he will be ready by training camp.

Mendenhall factor

Mendenhall is exciting to watch, with a good combination of size, strength and speed. Mendenhall suffered a minor hamstring injury in minicamp but has since returned.

Pittsburgh's coaching staff is excited about devising ways to get Mendenhall on the field, either as a runner or receiver out of the backfield. There are even packages to put both Parker and Mendenhall in the same backfield to provide dual running and passing threats.

Mendenhall was a dynamic player in college last season. He's in an ideal spot in Pittsburgh, where he will not be asked to do too much right away.

Training camp start date: July 28

James Walker covers the NFL for ESPN.com.