Big Ben spent the 2007 season running for his life behind a line plagued by poor performance and offseason discord.
Last May in a heated statement, Alan Faneca made it clear that this past year would be his last as a Pittsburgh Steeler. He also questioned how much of his heart he could put into the season.
Add to that the retirement of Pro Bowl center Jeff Hartings, and things up front were not looking very good. Just ask Ben, who was sacked 53 times during 16 starts. It's hard to complete passes on your back.
So as a result of last season's poor performance and free agency, this offseason the Steelers will need to thoroughly revamp their offensive line.
Sean Mahan's performance at center last season was abysmal, and the Steelers need to make protection of Pro Bowl quarterback Roethlisberger priority one. Obviously, the Steelers will need to address the position of center first, but probably not through the draft—their significant deficiencies elsewhere make that an improbable scenario.
More likely, Willie Colon will try out at center if the Steelers draft a tackle. It’s also possible that Kendall Simmons might try the move to center.
Rather than go fishing for free agents, the Steelers have always preferred to develop their own talent. They look to the draft to fill most gaps on their roster, so don't expect much help from the free agency pool.
Unfortunately, this year's draft is not brimming with talented offensive linemen, but there are a few who could become solid performers.
A good first round possibility for the Steelers is tackle Jeff Otah from Pitt. He is a good run blocker, and that fits the Steelers style. He is also quick, strong, and aggressive.
However, there is a good chance that he will go earlier than the 23rd pick. If he's still around, look for the Steelers to grab him.
Chris Williams out of Vanderbilt could be considered if Otah goes to another team. He is nimble, mobile, and great at pass protection. However, he doesn't get great push and needs more strength, so Pittsburgh may pass on him.
Despite having a Pro Bowl quarterback, the Steelers are still a grind-it-out team and they need someone who can open up the run.
Gosder Cherilus, a tackle from Boston College, is another prospect. He is a good run blocker with a lot of strength. His greatest weakness is against quick edge rushers, but this deficiency will probably be easier to overlook than Williams' lack of push. I would put him at No. 2 on the Steelers’ wish list, right behind Otah.
The Steelers have some definite prospects for their first round pick. Most likely the Philadelphia Eagles will help narrow down the possibilities.
If the Eagles take Otah, the Steelers will probably make Cherilus their first pick. But, if the Eagles select Chris Williams, look for Jeff Otah to continue his career in the Steel City.
No matter who the Steelers select first, the player will be expected to make an immediate contribution on the line. With both a Pro Bowl quarterback and running back looking for protection, the Steelers need a strengthened offensive line to maximize their potential and bolster their chances for success in 2008.
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7 months ago
Mahan needs to move to guard, he can't handle center but he isn't that bad of a lineman.
I hate Jeff Otah. Potential kills you, especially lineman. Michael Oher pulling out of the draft was bad news for Pittsburgh.
We could use a center, but there are none worth a damn to draft, maybe we can get a veteran out there for cheap to plug in there for a year or two.
7 months ago
Ironic, isn't it?... The Steelers spent years with two awesome centers- Dermonti Dawson and Jeff Hartings. Now that a quarterback is reaching his potential, they've got nothing. I don't think either Colon or Simmons is the answer, but they'll probably be better than Mahan was if they don't find a free agent (and there aren't that many to pick from).
7 months ago
I wouldn't rule out Mahan just yet. The guy just came into a new system with new flankers, not to forget a line that gave up 53 sacks overall. Not to long ago in the distant past, there was Tackle named Wayne Gandy who came to the Steelers via free agency. I hated his performance in his first year, thinking and vocalizing his replacement needed to be a priority. Guess what? His second year was a vast improvement, becoming one of the stronger linemen. Then he left to go to New Orleans. Remember how the Steelers were the best farm team in the NFL for teams with eager paychecks? 2008 is pivotal for Mahan and his career. Now with a year under the Steeler system and a preseason to gel, we will hopefully see the promise the PSFO saw when they brought him over. For his sake and ours, I wish him well. I believe: Smith, Kemoeatu, Mahan, Simmons, Colon, Starx (should he remain after the Steeler tender), can be a great mix for 2008 if everyone plays to their potential. We truly need to add some strong competitors who may supplant a starting OL spot or at least offer significant reinforcements as injuries do happen. We also need a bull dozer to compliment FW Parker. Teams like NE, Baltimore (except 2007), have had a way of minimizing Parker's efforts in the past.
7 months ago
Good article. An O-Line is exactly what Steelers need. Ben is as good a QB around when he has time to sit in the pocket and throw. The Steelers improve their offensive line this off-season and they will be a good looking football team next season.
7 months ago
It's the cornerstone of every team....look at the Giants - it took a long time to get some steady guys there. and look at what happened when they did
from 7 months ago
Amen. An offense can only be as good as its line.
7 months ago
man are u kidding me?! What's you're e-mail and i'll send u some fil of that bum mayhan. he is absolutely useless to this team. USELESS! the man was getting totally bull-rushed by single DT's. i nean guys were just throwing him out of the way! i seriously wouldn't be surprised if he's out the league next year period. gone! i wouldn't move him anywhere but out the organization! BYE!
from 7 months ago
A friend of mine also pointed out that Mahan's body language was telegraphing the snap. I would say he may be a decent lineman for a different team, but I do not think he is going to make it with the Steelers.
7 months ago
shari, thank u for writing but actually, this years draft has the most talented Offensive Lineman, especially Tackles in at least 10 years. The Steelers could probably draft 2 starters. There is a good center named Mike Pollack that they could probably get in the 2nd round. Chris Williams of Vanderbilt is may potentially be available in the first roudn..
7 months ago
yes the o-line stinks but what about the D-line??.....who won the superbowl this year??....#1 offence in NFL history got pushed around by what??...A good D-line!!! Don't get me wrong a o-line can help both Ben and Willie but was it the o-line that won us the superbowl in 05?? Pressure on the QB. Remember offence gets you to the championship but Defence wins it!....Go Black and Gold!!
from 7 months ago
I completely agree. I think I've actually written in multiple articles/comments that defenses win championships. I just think the Steelers have more depth in that area, and it isn't an immediate concern that needs to be addressed. Our defense was ranked #1 overall last season.
That being said, we should have done better but our o-line was awful. If we strengthen that to get the offense a little time to manage the clock, the Steelers will be back on top.
7 months ago
Looks like the Jets are getting Faneca....boohoo......at least he did not go to the NE Cheaters or the Bungles...
7 months ago
running the old fullback "steeler trap" bout 10 times a game would help out the line, ben, willie, and the passing game a lot. i don't think the steelers ran the fullback 10 times the whole season. better balance on offense would help this line greatly.
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