The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line took a step forward in 2022, particularly led by two free agent acquisitions last offseason. Mason Cole and James Daniels, the team’s starting center and right guard, stabilized the interior of the line. Offensive line does remain a priority heading into this offseason, but many believed that would be either left tackle or left guard. Not so fast.
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Steelers interior lineman James Daniels and Mason Cole were able to revitalize the team's OL in 2022.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette thinks the team could draft a center. More particularly, John Michael Schmitz from Minneosta, who is widely considered the best center in this draft class. In ranking each prospect position, ESPN draft analysts Todd McShay, Mel Kiper, Jordan Reid, and Matt Miller all unanimously had Schmitz as the best center in the class. Anyways, Dulac had this to say on the Schmitz-Steelers connection:
“I don’t think they are interested in replacing [Chukwuma] Okorafor and I don’t have a problem with him at right tackle. And, if they are going to use their top pick on an offensive lineman, I would suspect it would be a LT, only because LT is the most important position on the line and they are usually the ones that go high. That being said, I will tell you to keep your eye on Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz, easily the best center in the draft and maybe the best lineman in the draft."
Could the Steelers actually move Cole to LG?
If the Steelers were indeed to take Schmitz, it would likely kick Cole to left guard. Last season, Kevin Dotson occupied that spot, but continued to pick up frustrating penalties throughout the season. Schmitz is projected to go in one of the first two rounds, where the black and gold happen to have three total selections. There are other solid centers in this class, such as Michigan’s Olusegun Oluwatimi and Wisconsin's Joe Tippmann.
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It would be quite interesting to see the Steelers move Cole, who again, was one of their strengths along the OL in 2022. While Schmitz is a good player, it’s a move that may not make much sense with more pressing needs on the team, and even along the offensive line. The front office can also opt to address the line in free agency, where there are plenty of appealing options including Kansas City Chiefs tackle, Orlando Brown Jr.
What would you think if the team selected Schmitz? Do you think there's any merit to Dulac's inference? After the Combine, who do you want in the 2023 NFL Draft? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites!
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