The Steelers began the process of rebuilding their offensive line last year when they used their No. 1 pick on tackle Broderick Jones, signaling a youth movement that was long overdue. Now general manager Omar Khan must continue to bolster the line with more young players in the upcoming draft, especially given the moves he’s made at quarterback this offseason.
New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has his offense flow through the running game, using play-action passes to manufacture big plays down the field. Under former offensive coordinator Matt Canada, the Steelers did not use play-action very often, ranking second-to-last in the league in play-action passing percentage.
That’s going to change next season, and new quarterback Russell Wilson is going to need an offensive line that can protect him. The Steelers only gave up 36 sacks last season, but don’t be fooled by that relatively small number. A lot of that had to do with Canada’s preference to get the ball out quick rather than proficiency in their pass protection.
With Smith calling the plays and Wilson running the offense, a big improvement has to take place. Wilson, who was sacked 45 times last season, likes to hold the ball and extend plays. Backup Justin Fields, who similarly likes to use his athleticism for improvisation in the passing game, was sacked 44 times.
Smith will try to make both more disciplined within his offense, but the Steelers won’t want to stifle their natural playmaking ability, either.
There is a good reason the Steelers weren’t in the offensive line market in the first wave of free agency. This draft is one of the deepest in the quality and quantity in years.
There was a good chance the Steelers were going to take advantage of that depth before the acquisitions of Wilson and Fields, but now there is little doubt they are gearing up to fill holes at center and right tackle with draft picks.
Two longtime starters were released last month. There is a hole at center after cutting Mason Cole, their starter the past two seasons. Starting right guard James Daniels and reserve Nate Herbig are the only linemen on the roster with NFL experience at center, but neither is viewed as a long-term option.
The Steelers also cut Chukwuma Okorafor, who lost his starting right tackle job to Jones midway through last season. The Steelers would like to move Jones to the left side of the line, opening up another vacancy at right tackle.
This draft could give the Steelers two more young players for the rebuild, and last season was evidence in how talented young players can boost the overall performance of the line. Jones provided some punch once he entered the lineup.
The Steelers running game took off with Jones at right tackle. They went from one of the league’s worst rushing offenses to one of the best once Jones became a starter. They averaged almost 150 yards rushing per game on the ground when Jones played.
Jones did have some struggles in pass protection, allowing four sacks and 29 hurries. Some of that stemmed from him playing a new position, but he also must refine his pass protection skills.
Dan Moore, the starter at left tackle the past three seasons, allowed a team-high eight sacks and 39 hurries. In the event the Steelers find a starting right tackle early in the draft, Moore would head to the bench or be released.
The Steelers have a couple of solid veteran starters at guard with Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, who surrendered one sack between them. Seumalo is signed for two more years and Daniels through next season.
With the price of starting guards skyrocketing in free agency this year, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Steelers to develop a guard behind Daniels if the Steelers cannot extend him beyond next season.
The Steelers are in great position to draft a tackle or center in the first round. Among the players who could be there when they select at No. 20 overall are Alabama’s JC Latham, Georgia’s Amarius Mims or Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton. Latham, who also can play guard, likely would step into a starting role Week 1 while Mims and Guyton — like Jones last season — might need a little time to develop before they ascend to starting roles.
Center is a possibility at No. 20, as well, with Graham Barton and Jackson Powers-Johnson the two likely candidates. They are ranked 27th and 30th, respectively, by NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah in his list of the top 50 prospects in this draft.
West Virginia’s Zach Frazier is 35th on that list. With the Steelers picking at No. 51 in the second round, the odds don’t favor any of them falling to them on Day 2. Georgia’s Sedrick Van Pran could be there in the second or third round.
