Pittsburgh Steelers Mike Tomlin Squandering OL Investments

The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line has struggled to open holes for the running game and protect the quarterback for the last three seasons. General Manager Kevin Colbert was faced with rebuilding a unit that endured the loss of Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, and Alejandro Villanueva to protect Ben Roethlisberger in his final season and reestablish the running game. Colbert elected to draft Kendrick Green and Dan Moore Jr and then signed veteran Trai Turner. It resulted in one of the worst offensive lines in franchise history.

The Steelers tried to address the position in free agency in the 2022 offseason. They signed two NFC North veterans, Mason Cole, to play center and James Daniels to play right guard. Cole was cut two years into a three-year contract. He struggled with snapping the ball and blocking in 2023 and was released shortly after the 2023 season ended. Daniels has been a solid addition to the Steeler's offensive line and is entering the final year of his free agent contract.

Photo byDeon A. WebsteronUnsplash

2023 Steelers Invest Heavily To Bolster Offensive Line

Omar Khan and his Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl headed into the 2023 offseason unencumbered and immediately prioritized the offensive line. The dynamic duo executed a trade with the New England Patriots to move up from pick 17 to 14 and selected Georgia Bulldogs Left Tackle Broderick Jones. Pittsburgh also drafted Spencer Anderson from the University of Maryland in the seventh round. In addition, the Steelers signed Isaac Seumalo from the Philadelphia Eagles to play left guard. To bolster the unit, they also imported two Weidl favorites, Nate Herbig and Le'Raven Clark.

Seumalo instantly became the team's best offensive lineman in 2023 and improved the interior of the offensive line. Jones, curiously, did not supplant Moore at left tackle despite his status as a number one pick. Head Coach Mike Tomlin is known for having rookies earn their way into the starting lineup. Still, Jones languished on the bench for nearly half the season until Chukwuma Okorafor offended the coaching staff during the Jacksonville Jaguars game and was benched. Jones was inserted out of position at right tackle, and the Steelers rushing attack dramatically improved.

Omar Khan Doubles Down In 2024

The Steelers did not elect to sign any offensive linemen in free agency during the 2024 offseason. However, Pittsburgh selected Troy Fautanu from the Washington Huskies as their first-round draft pick. Fautanu played left tackle for the Huskies. He played with left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr, so the rookie was expected to shift to right tackle with the Steelers.

Pittsburgh followed Fautanu's selection by drafting Center Zach Frazier from West Virginia in the second round and Guard Mason Mccormick from South Dakota State. All three Steelers draft picks were known for being impressive run blockers in college. Weidl and Khan imported four potential long-term starters in just two seasons. The group was projected to become a strength of the team in 2024.

Coaching Staff Does Not Follow The Plan

After dismissing OC Matt Canada, Tomlin retained Pat Meyer as his offensive line coach for 2024. This was a curious decision, considering new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith's ties to Mike Munchak. Munchak had also served on Tomlin's staff and is one of the league's most respected offensive line coaches. It is even more curious that any assistant associated with perhaps the worst offensive coordinator in NFL history would be retained.

It would be one thing if Meyer had professional success, but he has never had an offensive line finish statistically in the top half of the NFL. The Steelers coaching staff has compounded the problem by rewarding Moore for refusing to learn the right tackle position. During the first padded practice in training camp, Jones played out of position at right tackle and reportedly injured his elbow. An injury that many have speculated resulted in his awful performance against the Buffalo Bills in the second preseason game.

Final Thoughts

Fautanu sustained an injury during the first preseason game against the Houston Texans. If healthy, he is projected as the starting right tackle. Jones, for his part, has no idea where or if he will play in the season opener in Atlanta. There is a good chance that Jones could begin the season as Moore's backup. That would be an epic disaster. It would mean one of two things. Either the Steelers made a mistake in drafting Jones, or the coaching staff is not competent enough to play the most talented players in the correct position.

For More Great Content

Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.

Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you're looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don't forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!

Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.

Article originally written by Bob Quinn