NFL Combine 2011: Five Offensive Linemen the Pittsburgh Steelers Want To Watch

Why will the Pittsburgh Steelers' representatives be paying close attention to players like Florida's Mike Pouncey (younger brother of their own Maurkice), Boston College's Anthony Castonzo, and Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi?

The answer is simple. Their offensive line has had a horrendous run during the past two seasons and has never really been the same since Alan Faneca and Jeff Hartings left. They have a profound need along the line.

A lot hinges on free agency and the labor negotiations, but the Steelers have a real chance to upgrade their offensive line with the 31st overall pick in this year's draft.

Here's a look at five offensive linemen they'll be sure to watch as workouts commence tomorrow.

1. Mike Pouncey, G/C (Florida)

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 01: Tim Tebow #15 of the Florida Gators hugs teammate Mike Pouncey #55 after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisana Superdome on January 1, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Strengths:

Versatility, football IQ, footwork, pulling technique, pass blocking, run blocking, work ethic

Weaknesses:

Size

Analysis

The best available guard, there is some sentiment that Pouncey will be gone by the time Pittsburgh selects at the end of the first round. He's been mocked to go anywhere from mid-first to early-second round, so there's obviously no clear consensus on how teams will approach the second half of the first round.

What is certain is that reuniting Mike Pouncey with his older brother Maurkice, who was a Pro Bowl center for Pittsburgh in his rookie season, would be an excellent move for the Steelers.

This draft is light on offensive linemen who fit the Pittsburgh scheme, but Pouncey comes very close. With the smooth transition made by brother Maurkice, it seems likely that the younger Pouncey will adjust to life in the NFL quite well. His ability to pull in the running game is a huge plus for the Steelers, who like pulling their guards on power running plays.

Pouncey will be a first round pick, and Pittsburgh will be watching his performance in the combine to see how his size and speed measure up against other guards that are available.

2. Anthony Castonzo, OT (Boston College)

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 26: Dave Shinskie #15 of the Boston College Eagles passes the ball in overtime as teammate Anthony Castonzo #74 blocks against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on September 26, 2009 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachus

Strengths:

Quickness, mobility, football IQ, zone blocking

Weaknesses:

Strength, size 

Analysis

Castonzo is one of the top available tackles in the draft, but he will have to show off some strength at the combine to increase his draft stock.

Where Pittsburgh is concerned, he does not fit their top need (a guard) and doesn't necessarily fit their blocking scheme. He does play a good left tackle and is adept with edge rushers (think of him as a weapon to neutralize Terrell Suggs and men of his ilk).

Castonzo is quick off the snap and is very mobile. He's a smart player and doesn't put himself in a bad position. He could represent an upgrade at left tackle over Max Starks, who can get fooled and put out of position by shifty rushers.

He's undersized for this offensive line, but it's reasonable to believe he could bulk up if needed. His speed and mobility make him a likely late-first rounder, so Pittsburgh is in good position should they decide to take him.

3. Rodney Hudson, OG (Florida State)

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TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Rodney Hudson #62 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Strengths:

Instincts, awareness, football IQ, body control

Weaknesses:

Size, speed

Analysis

Hudson is a bit small for a guard, but he masks that well with above average awareness and body control. He's an accomplished run blocker and is also above average in pass protection.

In Pittsburgh's case, he fits their passing game well and would also, with time to learn, fit very well into their rushing attack. He's great at passing off blockers and taking on speed rushers, something important to a team with a quarterback that likes to hang onto the ball.

Hudson is not necessarily a first round pick, but he's a solid draft choice and a likely second rounder. If Pittsburgh passes on linemen early, they may be in a good spot to take Hudson in the second or third round. He'll need to prove his size (this is a trend this year) is not a deficiency he cannot overcome.

He bears watching as a fallback option in case Pittsburgh misses out on Pouncey in the first round.

4. Gabe Carimi, OT (Wisconsin)

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Offensive lineman Gabe Carimi #68 of the Wisconsin Badgers warms up prior to playing the TCU Horned Frogs in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Strengths:

Size, strength, run blocking

Weaknesses:

Athleticism, movement

Analysis

He's been labeled as a future right tackle because of his lack of athleticism and movement skills, but Carimi should be a great first round pick for a team in the latter half of the round.

Pittsburgh may opt for the younger, sturdier Carimi instead of re-signing free agent Willie Colon, who's coming off a major Achilles injury that cost him the entire 2010 season. Carimi is a big, physical tackle that is one of the best run blockers available this year.

His lack of athleticism is a concern and is something Pittsburgh and other teams will be watching, but he has proven adept at engaging rushers quickly and then using his size and strength to hold them at bay and move them away from runners and passers. Those qualities are excellent.

My concern in Pittsburgh's scheme is that if he can't hold blocks for a long time and isn't athletic enough to do so, he may be somewhat of a liability when paired with Ben Roethlisberger's penchant for holding the ball too long.

5. Derek Sherrod, OT (Mississippi State)

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 15: J.C. Brignone #70 and Derek Sherrod #79of the Mississippi State Bulldogs get ready on the line of scrimmage during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2008 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Strengths:

Athleticism, movement, quickness

Weaknesses:

Strength, body control

Analysis

Sherrod projects as a left tackle in the NFL. He's bigger than most tackles (think Max Starks), but he's got the athleticism to make up for that.

For Pittsburgh, he'd be a valuable choice because he's got the ability to stay with edge rushers and adjust to their moves to keep them off of a quarterback. His skills would help keep Ben Roethlisberger upright, something that is definitely a concern.

The concern for the Steelers (and something they'll be looking at) is how his lack of strength hurts his overall game. He's shown up as a liability against power rushers and can be beaten by stronger defenders. The Steelers, with a power running attack, need a tackle who can take on big rushers and push them back.

Sherrod is a swing pick. He may be a good first round choice, but he's a player who could be around later. How he performs at the combine will dictate a great deal about where teams like Pittsburgh will rank him on their draft boards.