Remaining Offensive Lineman For Day 2 and 3 For Steelers

[Steeler Nation]

The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed the offensive line position during the draft last year in the middle of the draft. Some would argue that it wasn’t very successful. Kendrick Green failed to make a seemless switch from college guard to NFL center. Dan Moore Jr who was supposed to be a project that wouldn’t see the field for a year or two was forced onto the field week 1. Ben Roethlisberger didn’t miss any games due to injury, and Najee Harris managed to run for 1200 hard yards. Beyond that it was a pretty ugly performance.

To help remedy their offensive line woes the Steelers went out and signed veteran guard James Daniels, and veteran center/guard Mason Cole during free agency. Daniels’ was considered one of the top availabe lineman during free agency, and his addition should make a world of a difference.

Cole has served as a utility lineman since starting his first couple of seasons in the NFL. It appears that Cole will battle it out with Green at the center position with the loser serving as the team’s utility man. There also a chance that guard Kevin Dotson could be lumped into a battle with both of those guys for his starting guard position. Dotson had a disappointing season that ended with him missing 2/3 of the season with a high ankle sprain. This was after team officials were reportedly upset with his off-season workouts.

The one position that the Steelers have subtracted from on the offensive line and haven’t made an addition yet is tackle. Zach Banner was released after not fully healing from his ACL injury two years ago. While an offensive lineman wouldn’t be the flashiest pick on Day 2, it could be the most practical. Let’s see who the top available offensive lineman are still on the board.

OT Nicholas Petit-Frere (Round 2 Projection) – The Steelers have a stud running back in Harris and adding Petit-Frere would surely give him a helping hand. While he isn’t considered the best run blocker in the draft, he’s right up there in the top 2 or 3. He’s considered to come off the ball very violently, and is able to keep his massive frame low to the ball.

“He’s talented but there are a lot of holes to fill. I think he should have gone back because he would have made himself more money with another year of improvement.” — Scout for AFC team

Offensive Lineman Nicholas-Petit-Frere / Photo: The Gamehaus.com


OT Abraham Lucas (Round 3 Projection) – Lucas is someone that could come in and battle at both offensive tackle positions. His strength is his ability to pass protect but is a willing run blocker with strong athleticism. He was at tackle at Washington State but may have to make the transition to guard in the NFL if he can’t handle speed rushers. The Steelers love players with the ability to play other positions, and even if Lucas ended up being a guard, he would be able to play tackle in a pinch.

OT Daniel Faalele (Round 3 Projection) – The first thing you’re going to notice with Faalele is that he’s a massive human. He stands 6’8 384 pounds. NFL.com lists his NFL comparison as Zach Banner. Some might consider that a negative, but a lot of Banners issues coming into the NFL were mental and preparation. Not talent level. Banner seemed to finally figure all of that out when he won the Steelers starting right tackle spot. But he never was able to showcase his ability. Faalele is a natural right tackle, and would stay only at right tackle. Faalele should be on the board when the Steelers pick in the third round.

OG Luke Goedeke (2nd Round Projection) – Goedeke is the only true guard that has a chance to go in the second round. He’s overshadowed by his teammate Bernhard Raimann who is still on the board. But I left him off this list because he’s 25 and the Steelers likely won’t touch a player that old. It was dicey on if they’d consider Kenny Pickett since he’s nearly 24. Goedeke is considered to be a plug and play player at the next level. He doesn’t have the ceiling to be an All-Pro, but he should be able to be a long-term starter in this league.

“He’s got better instincts than [CMU teammate Bernhard] Raimann and I think he’s going to have the better pro career of the two.” — Former NFL personnel executive

Photo: USA Today


OG Dylan Parham (3rd Round Projection) – Parham was recruited as a tight end for his blocking skills but made the transition to guard after his redshirt freshman year. Depending on how the draft breaks he may be available to the Steelers in the 4th round. He was a 4-year starter and can play either guard spots.

Highly experienced guard prospect who helped open running lanes for backs who went on to play in the NFL. Parham falls below NFL size standards for the position but is very densely layered and plays with sound technique and above-average body control into and through contact. He’s a task-oriented blocker who is much better at firing out than playing on the move and his success could be linked to the rushing scheme he lands in. Below-average mirror quickness and overall length are exploitable holes in his pass protection and could cause up-and-down play in that area. Parham can step in as a backup at both guard spots and has a shot to become a starter within his first three years. — Larry Zierlein NFL.com

Other Offensive Lineman to Consider:​

Zach Tom (4th Round Projection)
Jamaree Salyer (4th Round Projection)

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[TDX27]

I would actually be surprised if they pick any OL unless it's a late-round pick. We need DL, 1 or 2 WR's, S, and CB before we should even think about OL.

 

[slashsteel]

Will be hard but hoping they find a way to bring in a DLineman OLineman, S, and WR. No pick in 5. So hopefully they can get 3 out of 4 , Meatloaf would consider that not bad.

 

[Steelworth]

If Mason Cole can play Center at a decent level, I say go WR then D the next 3 picks.

- Newly Minted Armchair Scout. "Put me in coach!"

 

[TDX27]

We're still going to end up picking up a FA or two, especially if they get rid of Tuitt.

 

[Steeltime]

Petit-Frere would be a nice addition. He is going to be better than Okorafor soon, maybe yesterday. He tends to get grabby when a defender starts to turn the corner on him but the modern NFL allows choke-holds so that is not a big issue.

Goedeke is going to be a very good NFL guard. I like guys who played OT in college and switch to G because they can move and block in space, so he is a guy who can pull on running plays.

Faalele is a monster. He is so huge that he can handle the speed rush just by sliding one step to his right. He kills people when run blocking. His modest combine numbers tempered interest a bit, but as a RT, he is the guy.

Any one of those three and I am happy. Oh, and Metchie III at 84, please.