Priority #2 taken care of to win SB #7 (targets for Ben to throw to) ...

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

But in my mind it's all for naught until we check priority #1 off the list - dong what is needed to absolutely keep Ben upright this year.

To my simple point of view it means an OL that is more than minimally functional. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be where we are, based on last year, and the years before that. Less simplistically, maybe it means play calls where for any given OL configuration it's less likely for Ben to be hit (more roll outs, more play action, I don't exactly know what it will take). But through some combination of FA, drafting, play calling, strength training, coaching ... anything and everything! ... we need to keep Ben in the huddle and off the bench as much as possible.

If Ben is upright - we can win the SB. If he's not - we can't, doesn't matter how good our CBs or OLBs or NTs are.

Just my 2c!

[NW Steeler]

I'm still not opposed to the thought of drafting a day one starting Guard in the first round. Although it doesn't seem likely.

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

I'm still not opposed to the thought of drafting a day one starting Guard in the first round. Although it doesn't seem likely.

I guess going through the draft is our only option if we haven't made moves in FA. Though a day-1 starter straight out of college seems unlikely, even Pouncey needed some warm-up time.

Why won't the FO listen to me??

[RuthlessBurgher]

I'm still not opposed to the thought of drafting a day one starting Guard in the first round. Although it doesn't seem likely.

It's very possible that Cooper or Warmack might be the BPA at #17. Even though you just spent so many of your recent high draft choices on the OL in recent years (#1 on C, #2 on T, #1 on G, #2 on T), if the best player available just so happens to be another offensive lineman, then you take him as the best player available.

[Shawn]

We do not need to spend a premium pick on an interior lineman. Foster is solid, and DD should recover nicely. Where the Steelers should be looking is at their questionable tackles.

[DukieBoy]

But in my mind it's all for naught until we check priority #1 off the list - dong what is needed to absolutely keep Ben upright this year.

To my simple point of view it means an OL that is more than minimally functional. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be where we are, based on last year, and the years before that. Less simplistically, maybe it means play calls where for any given OL configuration it's less likely for Ben to be hit (more roll outs, more play action, I don't exactly know what it will take). But through some combination of FA, drafting, play calling, strength training, coaching ... anything and everything! ... we need to keep Ben in the huddle and off the bench as much as possible.

If Ben is upright - we can win the SB. If he's not - we can't, doesn't matter how good our CBs or OLBs or NTs are.

Just my 2c!

No doubt.
Ben's injury hurt this team badly last year. If not for that injury, we are in the playoffs and could have taken it a long way (though losing Heath would have hurt our chances significantly in the playoffs).

[thor75]

It would be tough to pass on Cooper the guard from UNC if he was there at 17, but a first round tackle is not likely a possibility. Which sucks because we only have 3 on the roster I think. Gilbert, Adams, and Joe Long. Tackle definitely needs to be addressed this offseason.

[winwithd]

It would be tough to pass on Cooper the guard from UNC if he was there at 17, but a first round tackle is not likely a possibility. Which sucks because we only have 3 on the roster I think. Gilbert, Adams, and Joe Long. Tackle definitely needs to be addressed this offseason.

Enter Max Starks... again

[ikestops85]

I think our season goes as well as our offensive line goes. Dwyer and Redman are fine if we have a good offensive line. Ben is great when he has a running game to support him which makes his play action work. In fact I think Ben is the best in the business right now running play action. The thing is Ben can't do it himself like he could back in 2008. We are not going to have a good defense this year ... we will be counting on young, inexperienced players ... so we are going to have to become an offensive team. To do that we need a good offensive line. I think the players we have could become that but we have no depth so any injury can derail us. Therefore taking another lineman with a high pick is not a bad idea. We would have to deal with it in a couple of years when they are all up for a new contract

[fordfixer]

I guess going through the draft is our only option if we haven't made moves in FA. Though a day-1 starter straight out of college seems unlikely, even Pouncey needed some warm-up time.

Why won't the FO listen to me??

I'm sorry what did you say?

[thor75]

I think we can all agree the top three tackles will be off the board by #17. DJ Fluker does not seem like a fit if they want to go towards a more predominant ZBS as his game is power. Any thoughts on Terron Armstead as a target in possibly round two? Needs some developing, but very athletic. I've seen him in a couple of posters mocks. Is round two too high?