Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers held their first practice of 2022 as a 53-man unit on Wednesday. The Steelers welcomed two new faces in outside linebacker Malik Reed and offensive lineman Jesse Davis into the fold. The reporters present asked Coach Tomlin after practice, how he anticipated the veteran Davis would help buy time for the struggling offensive line to develop?
“You know, I don't know that we're viewing him in that way,” Tomlin stated. “He's a capable guy and we're going to teach him what to do and see if he can carve out a role for himself.”
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 2: Jesse Davis #77 of the Miami Dolphins walks off the field after a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on January 2, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Dolphins 34-3. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The Steelers do not normally trade for 30-year-old players, and it marks the second time they have plucked a Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman this off-season. The Steelers signed Mason Cole from the Vikings and he has been the lone bright spot on the offensive line during the preseason. Now they have traded for the versatile Davis. The Vikings signed Davis as a free agent in March, but he was overtaken by the rookie from LSU, Ed Ingram for the starting right guard position. He started for the Miami Dolphins from 2017-2020 and aside from center, has demonstrated he can competently play every other offensive line position.
“I think you know he's experienced enough that he's capable of learning multiple positions,” Tomlin said when asked if he was concentrating on one position.
Pittsburgh Steelers guard, James Daniels (78) and Mason Cole (61) pass blocking during the Aug. 20 preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. (Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steleers)
The Steelers brought in James Daniels from the Chicago Bears and at this point, they have to trust based on his age and previous years in the league that the preseason just may have been a slump and he can correct his play. However, Kevin Dotson and Kendrick Green are a different kettle of fish and if Davis can provide competent play at the other guard position, that should help the unit tremendously.
Omar Khan is introduced as the Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager at a press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 27, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Omar Khan and Pittsburgh’s options are limited at this point. The Steelers would have to give up significant draft capital for a serious offensive line upgrade. Anyone they bring in would come with the question of either being a one season rental, or someone who has struggled at his current location. Teams typically do not give up on high value offensive lineman. Arthur Moats, the former Steelers linebacker, joined The PM Team With Poni & Mueller to discuss the newest offensive line acquisition. Andrew Fillipponi recounted the interaction on Twitter.
Steelers analyst @dabody52 on @937theFan says that Jesse Davis is better fit at guard than tackle. Called him a struggling right tackle.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) August 30, 2022
Could be a move to solve left guard more than left tackle.
Davis started at right guard for the Dolphins in 2017 and 2018 before shifting to a starting tackle in 2019. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings for one year and was due $3 million dollars for the 2022 season. Vikings fans were not exactly thrilled when the team brought in the versatile veteran. Phil Mackey, the host of the popular Vikings podcast Purple Daily, offered the following analysis shortly after they signed the free agent:
Among 215 qualified offensive linemen last year, Jesse Davis allowed the 4th most pressures. Not good.
— Phil Mackey 🎙 (@PhilMackey) March 28, 2022
Maybe a change of scenery and scheme will help.
He played mostly RT for the Dolphins last year, but he has played everywhere. Looks like he'll be in line to play RG in MN. https://t.co/tWvWyivIew
The former undrafted free agent from Idaho will cost Pittsburgh a conditional 2025 seventh-round pick and $1.5 million dollars for the remainder of the 2022 season. It should not be lost on Steelers fans that the trade to acquire Davis is viewed as an attempt to upgrade the guard position. Based on the analysis by Moats and Mackey, the fact that he might actually be in the starting lineup by opening day is an indictment of the front office and offensive line coach, Pat Meyer. Either they have done a poor job acquiring talent on the line, or Meyer is not getting the best out of the offensive line. The Steelers worst case scenario is that both are true.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? If Jesse Davis has moved into the starting lineup by opening day, will you be excited or alarmed? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
