Steelers Look to Improve Offensive Line in 2011 Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers came close to winning it all in 2010. What do the Steelers need to do to improve their situation for 2011?

I am using as reference an article by Bob Labriola titled "Top prospects are all OLBs" at the Steelers.com website.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2010 Overview

The Steelers started the new decade out with a bit of trouble on the quarterback front -- a six-game suspension for their Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. In the end, it turned out to be only four games, three of which Pittsburgh won. As the season progressed, the Steelers continued to prove their defense was among the best in the game, particularly their rush defense, and pass rush. After postseason victories over rival Baltimore and New York (Jets), the Steelers found themselves on the brink of their third Super Bowl title in six seasons. A sloppy start in the Super Bowl provided Pittsburgh with too big a deficit to overcome, and the Steelers ended the season as championship runner-ups to the Green Bay Packers.

The Good

The Steelers have a stellar quarterback (by most measures), a physical and young running back, a talented and versatile set of receivers, a dependable tight end, and a ferocious defense. James Harrison was Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 and Troy Polamalu won the award last season. They also have Mike Tomlin at the helm, a very smart coach with great leadership qualities.

The Bad

The offensive line is not terrible, but they need work, particularly the offensive tackle position. Also, the cornerbacks could use bolstering, as the pass proved to be the weak point of the Steelers defense in 2010. Also, it wouldn't hurt to continue to improve their 3-4 technique with some dependable 3-down linemen, particularly at the end position.

The Steelers' Draft Outlook

If he falls this far, I have to suggest Aaron Williams, CB/FS hybrid out of Texas. While I doubt Pittsburgh gets this lucky, Williams would be a serious boon for the Steelers questionable pass defense. If they are unable to snag this game changer, I could foresee them choosing cornerback Brandon Harris out of Miami to bolster the secondary. However, Pittsburgh has several serious question marks looming over their offensive line, with several players entering contract years in 2011. Seeing as the tackle position is so crucial in the NFL today, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Steelers try to take Nate Solder out of Colorado (if they're lucky and he falls to 31st, which is highly unlikely), Derek Sherrod out of Mississippi State, or Ben Ijalana out of Villanova (he could also potentially play guard). All three would be exciting additions to an offensive line that hasn't been overly impressive the past few seasons. Pittsburgh may also want a guard, but I doubt they'll pick for that position before upgrading their tackles.

I think in any event the Steelers will be major contenders in 2011.

Reference:

Steelers.com Website, Bob Labriola, "Top prospects are all OLBs"