Over the last few years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have invested heavily in their offensive line over. That’s culminated in several talented young players on the unit, but it’s also seeing plenty of change this offseason. They’re receiving new coaching, and a few players are settling into new positions as well.
Pass blocking is a little easier with a quarterback who throws quickly like Aaron Rodgers. But ESPN’s Mina Kimes has one concern about the unit.
“To me, the biggest question I have is about the offensive line. And not in pass protection, because again, Rodgers throws the ball so quickly. But really, run blocking. Fautanu is switching over to play left tackle. They drafted a new right tackle, we’ll see if he plays; Max Iheanachor. I think this interior of the offensive line is really good. But those tackle positions are ones that I’m watching. Because you’ve got some change there in Pittsburgh,” Kimes said Tuesday on NFL Live.
Switching sides of the offensive line isn’t simple, with Broderick Jones being a recent example for the Steelers. However, there is some extra comfort in Pittsburgh’s situation. Fautanu settled in nicely at right tackle, but he has multiple years of experience at left tackle during college. Moving to right tackle could be Dylan Cook, who played right tackle at Montana, could be moving to that spot. Although Mason McCormick is getting reps at left guard, he played there as well at South Dakota State.
Pittsburgh also has some solid depth on the unit, including some with expertise in the run game. Two of the newest additions to the unit, Brock Hoffman and Gennings Dunker, are physically imposing run blockers. Although Mike McCarthy feels comfortable with Rodgers throwing the ball, he has also stressed an importance on the ground game.
It’s certainly fair to have some questions about the Steelers’ offensive line. The starting right guard hasn’t been named, and switching one’s position isn’t easy for a young player. While the Steelers know they have a couple of cornerstones on the unit, the offense won’t go very far if Kimes’ worries come true.