2012 NFL Draft: 9 Offensive Linemen Pittsburgh Steelers Should Target

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team that once relied on a great offensive line, running game and defense.

They still have a great defense and solid running game, but the offensive line is just plain offensive!

There is good news, Steelers fans!

The 2012 NFL draft is one of the deepest in recent memory for offensive linemen.

Even if the Steelers make another deep run in this season's playoffs, there will still be good offensive linemen on the board. The Steelers are so good at most other positions, they could also trade up in the first round to draft any lineman they want.

They need help in the secondary, but that can be addressed later on in the draft.

The offensive line has been neglected for years now, and that has to be the focal point of the 2012 NFL draft for the Steelers.

Here are 10 prospects who could contribute as rookies.

Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Matt Kalil is a superstar.

He is a lock top five pick, so the Steelers would probably have to trade way up to get him. Unless they completely fall apart in the second half of the season, this pick isn't likely.

As a prospect though, I would think he is the No. 1 player on the Steelers' draft board.

His brother Ryan plays for the Carolina Panthers, one of the best centers in the league. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger would sleep better at night if Matt were protecting his blind side. 

Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Jonathan Martin is another can't-miss prospect.

He's been the leader on the Stanford Cardinal offensive line, and he would be a leader for the Steelers as well.

A smart kid with all of the intangibles, his name will be called early on draft day. The Steelers could probably get him anywhere between picks 12-16 if they chose to.

Certainly an upgrade right away. 

Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Already playing in black and gold, Riley would be a welcomed addition to the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line.

He has experience at both left and right tackle, as well as guard. Effective as both a run and pass blocker, there is no limit to his potential.

Even if Riley weren't ready to start right away, having him on the bench would be a great asset. If somebody goes down, he could fill it at nearly every position.

He will be in the Steelers' range on draft day as well, probably around pick No. 20.

I certainly consider him worth trading up for, and it wouldn't take much.

Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

Cordy Glenn has started for Georgia all four years.

He was moved to tackle as a senior after much success at guard the previous three seasons.

He is truly a beast on the line and uses his enormous size to his advantage. He should be drafted around pick 20 also.

This is another guy I feel could start as a rookie in the right situation.

Nate Potter, OT, Boise State

Nate Potter is a bit more of a risk, but a risk worth taking for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He has size and ability, but doesn't face the talented pass-rushers that my previous prospects have. In a couple of games I watched, he was beaten badly. In others, he looked like an NFL player blocking High School players.

I would certainly take a shot at him later in the first round.

Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State

Andrew Datko is a solid blocker and would look good at right tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He isn't going to physically dominate anybody at the next level, but he does what he supposed to do. Andrew knows where to be and is another really big guy.

He plays with a lot of confidence every week, and keeps penalties to a minimum. Add a fiery personality, and you have a lot of potential!

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

I'm not sure where Mike Adams is projected to go in the draft, but as an Ohio State fan I can tell you all one thing.

He's an absolute monster!

Listed at 6'8", 320 pounds, he is a mountain of a man.

Anybody that big deserves a look, and his technique seems pretty solid. There is some work to do, but with time, he could be a staple on the Steelers offensive line for many years.

Ryan Miller, OG, Colorado

Another huge man, Ryan Miller is a prospect who deserves a look.

He is dependable and makes up for average athleticism with effort every play.

While you sometimes see players taking a play off here and there, Miller looks like he's going all out each and every down.

I would take him late in the first or early in the second round.

David DeCastro. OG, Stanford

The best guard left at this point, David DeCastro is worthy of a late first or early second round draft pick.

Rarely do you see him get beat, even when matched up with a superior athlete across from him. He keeps them at bay long enough to get the job done.

Definitely a player who could start during his rookie season if need be.

Worst case scenario, David will be an adequate sub who can grow into an every down starter.

Closing Thoughts

See the photo above of Ben Roethlisberger celebrating after a Super Bowl victory?

If the Steelers can solidify the offensive line, you can expect to see a couple more Super Bowl trophies in Pittsburgh soon.

Even without time to stand in the pocket, Roethlisberger has led the Steelers to two Super Bowl victories and three appearances.

He is one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the NFL despite the beating he takes every week.

The time is now to give Ben the protection he deserves.