O-Line Future.

[Mandy90]

When you think about it, the Steelers O-Line probably isn't in need of a complete overhaul.

LT - Starks
LG - Simmons
C - Stapleton
RG - Colon
RT - Essex

I probably see it that way the next couple of years, assuming we don't draft any O-Line in early rounds. I have a feeling we're going to go D-Line in the first, possibly O-Line in the second or third.

[BlastFurnace]

The Steelers can't go wrong drafting either DL or OL in the 1st round. I am still hoping we can bring in an experienced DB such as Wilson or Crocker that will allow us to focus on the trenches in the 1st 3 rounds of the draft. Of all the places on our roster, the trenches is the area we clearly need the most help.

We have had very good success finding talent that was not drafted and hopefully Stapleton will be an answer to our Center problem for years to come. He may be our next Hank Fraley....but this time, we need to keep him.

This season, barring injury, Smith will be our LT. I'm not counting on us bringing in any OL help via free agency, so I am thinking that Kemo will play LG and Colon will stay at RT for one more season...or unless we draft a stud RT that will allow us to move him inside and slide Simmons over as you mentioned. I can see Essex being our swing man this season as Starks was last season if Starks leaves. Sometimes I get the impression that the Steelers don't view Kemo as a long term solution at LG. Maybe the rumors are true that he just doesn't grasp the playbook.

The consensus among all the Steelers beat writers is that Starks will never see $6 million+ this season in one way or another. Considering he has shown the ability to play both tackle positons, I am hoping we can sign him to something that averages $3-4 Million a season...like maybe 5 yrs/$20 million so he can play LT after Smith leaves after this season. It would be interesting to see if Max does get some interest if the Steelers do remove the Transition tag on him.

Personally, I would like to see a line this season that looks like this:

LT: Smith
LG: Simmons
C: Stapleton
RG: Colon
RT: Starks

Reserves: Mahan, Kemo, Essex, Rookie

With this line, we have both youth and depth. The only veteran we have is Smith, and more than likely, he is gone after this season.

The Defensive Line is old and needs a serious influx of new blood. I think I read that Keisel is the youngest of them at 30. Although Aaron Smith showed no signs of slowing down, I'm not sure about Hampton and Keisel does not eat up enough blockers. Hoke and Kirschke are good rotational type players, but they are older as well. I hope that 2 out of the three picks are D-lineman to get some youth in here.

With Tomlin's approach so far in the type of FA's he brought in (young in age) and his comments that we need to get younger, our team is in for a real influx of young players with speed. That's good news for Steeler fans.

[19ward86]

I am a believer that marvel smith wont be here for next season. He is an overpaid guy who is taking up cap that we need to sign anybody. I like smith and wilson released and that will put us around 10mil in the salary cap.

LT-Max Starks
LG-Branden Albert
OC-Darnell Stapleton
RG-Kendall Simmons
RT-Willie Colon

I say we build up the left side of the line, maybe put kendell simmons at center and chris kemeoatu at RG, we will have a strength type of line. Physical offense is what i dream of.

[tony hipchest]

i see it looking something like this-

..X....X....X

X....X....X....X
O...O...O...O...O
........O........

........O.........

[Preacher]

Originally Posted by tony hipchest

i see it looking something like this-

..X....X....X

X....X....X....X
O...O...O...O...O
........O........

........O.........

And again....

...

[Galax Steeler]

Originally Posted by tony hipchest

i see it looking something like this-

..X....X....X

X....X....X....X
O...O...O...O...O
........O........

........O.........

Agree it probably will look something like that.

[Rick5895]

With the drafting of either Otah or Albert with the first pick, probably Albert though, he will start. I would like to se Simmons move to guard and mahan outright released. If they can get Starks to resign at his true worth (2-3 mil/year) then we will be fine.

[Rick5895]

Sorry bout that Simmons move to center, lol.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Originally Posted by 19ward86

I am a believer that marvel smith wont be here for next season. He is an overpaid guy who is taking up cap that we need to sign anybody. I like smith and wilson released and that will put us around 10mil in the salary cap.

LT-Max Starks
LG-Branden Albert
OC-Darnell Stapleton
RG-Kendall Simmons
RT-Willie Colon

I say we build up the left side of the line, maybe put kendell simmons at center and chris kemeoatu at RG, we will have a strength type of line. Physical offense is what i dream of.

This is all dependant if they can sign Starks. I hope they do and this season its.

Marvel Smith
Kemo
Mahan (or Stapleton)
Simmons
Starks

Then next season it could be

Starks
Colon
Stapleton
Simmons
Carl Nicks (or Heath Benedict)

If they cant sign Starks, you can bet they just might draft O line in rounds 1 and 2.....at least 2 linemen in the first 3 rounds.

[RJC]

OK, you guys preach, I'll teach. Stapleton, someone none of you have ever seen play, is a nobody. To say you want him starting is a joke. The OL should go as follows:

LT-Marvel Smith(Established LT for 1 more year)
LG-Chris Kemoeatu(A huge mauling, physical run blocker)
C-Kendall Simmons(Has the athleticism to play in the middle. Can also pull.)
RG-Willie Colon(Tough guy, but lousy in space. Plays better in the "phone booth")
RT-Max Starks(An established former starter with a Super Bowl ring on his resume.)

Draft 2-3 OL from the 2nd round on for depth.