The Steelers' Offensive Line

Left Tackle:

Starter: Marvel Smith

Marvel Smith says that he is feeling great after having surgery on his injured back. Smith has been a great offensive lineman and I have no doubt that his back injury contributed to his poor play. It is ridiculously difficult to pass block when you can’t stretch to stand up a defender with ease. I look for Marvel Smith to rebound and have a great year.

Backup: Trai Essex

Essex is a good offensive lineman. He is currently on a one year deal, so look for good play from him in an effort to stay with Pittsburgh or make it onto another roster.

Left Guard:

Starter: Chris Kemoeatu

This is the mystery of the off-season for the Steelers…who is going to fill the void left by Alan Faneca? Many believe it will be four year veteran Chris Kemoeatu. Chris has great strength and is a punishing run blocker, but I question his pass blocking ability along with his ability to pull and lead block. Both are important roles for the Steelers’ Left Guard, whoever he may be.

Backup: Sean Mahan

Mahan was naturally a guard who the Steelers moved to center. Mahan had difficulty with the transition and at this point should only play guard. Whether he is good enough to land a starting job has yet to be seen, but for the moment I have him backing up Chris at Left Guard.

Center:

Starter: Justin Hartwig

Hartwig does have injury concerns, but he was a great center. Carolina cut him because they did not have the cap room to support two good centers and they felt they had more upside with Ryan Kahlil. Hartwig will be a welcome addition to the Steeler’s offensive line craving an anchor at center to not only make room for the power run, but also block for Big Ben.

Backup: Darnell Stapleton

The young center from Rutgers put on a clinic on how to play center during his two year career at Rutgers. He started every game in those two years. In 2006 Rutgers' line only allowed eight sacks and allowed Ray Rice to run 1,794 yards. Stapleton could be a great center for the Steelers, but for now he provides valuable depth at the center position.

Right Guard:

Starter: Kendall Simmons

Simmons has some concerns given his diabetes which may hamper his play. However, he has considerable speed and strength which is always welcome on any offensive line. If he can take care of himself and not let his diabetes hurt him, Kendall could rebound to Super Bowl form.

Backup: Willie Colon

Colon is a good offensive lineman that maybe was not meant to be an OT. Many have considered putting his at the guard spot and he is in contention for the LG starter spot. Colon is good, and has starter caliber potential. If any of the starters minus Hartwig begin to waver, look for Colon to immediately take over.

Right Tackle:

Starter: Max Starks

Starks has games where he just looks lost in pass protection and other times he is able to shut down some of the premier pass-rushers in the NFL. He is either the very best tackle or the very worst. If Starks can bring consistency to his play he will be very valuable to the Steelers. I could also see him taking over at Left Tackle in the event Marvel Smith is unable to play there.

Backup: Tony Hills

Hills was the only offensive line draft pick…something I am not necessarily happy about, but I don’t make the big decisions. Hills will be a great offensive lineman for the Steelers however. He has injury concerns, but his speed and strength will some day prove to be of great use to the Steelers.

I believe that the Steelers will have a stable offensive line next year. The line absolutely has to protect Big Ben. Our $108 million quarterback’s safety has to be priority one. In the past two seasons Ben has been sacked 93 times! That is a ridiculous number made even worse by the fact that Ben has evaded countless other sacks. I will say that sometimes Ben does hold onto the ball too long, but for the most part I saw him with very little time to stand in the pocket. This line needs to pass block and until it does it will always be a problem area. If another year goes by with 40-something sacks an overhaul may be required, which may not be too hard considering that three players on this line have one year contracts.