The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't necessarily in a full rebuild, but a lot of work is going to have to be done over the course of the 2023 off-season to become a serious contender in the jam-packed AFC. The defense is the NFL's highest paid, but at times have looked tired and worn down late in games which has proven costly, especially Sunday in the 16-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The defensive line has specifically been inconsistent and dominated at times. On the other side, the offensive line has consistently found themselves at the bottom half of the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus weekly rankings. These two units must be addressed in the new year.
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)
Gerry Dulac, who covers the team for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts a chat online. Fans from everywhere ask him questions and he answers the most relevant ones so that readers can get an idea of what his thoughts are on certain topics surrounding the organization. He was asked on Wednesday about the situation surrounding both lines as the season is close to wrapping up within the next month:
"They need to rebuild both lines with youth, and not with third and fourth round picks. They already signed two starters on the offensive line and one on the defensive line in free agency. It's time -- it's been time -- to go find another Pouncey, another DeCastro, another Heyward, another Tuitt. Don't waste it on what they been taking the past couple years."
Most recently, the franchise selected DeMarvin Leal in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was having a solid rookie season until he ended up on IR with a knee injury that caused him to miss over a month. Shockingly, the only other true defensive linemen on the roster who were drafted by the franchise are Isaiahh Loudermilk, who has been inactive the majority of the year, and team captain, veteran Cameron Heyward.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Tuesday May 25, 2021 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Chris Wormley tore his ACL recently and likely won't be back in 2023, Tyson Alualu and Larry Ogunjobi will also be free agents leaving the Steelers with only Heyward, Loudermilk, Leal, and Montravius Adams currently under contract for next year. With Heyward's age, Dulac is absolutely correct. The defensive line could very well be the position the team targets in the first round of next year's draft.
Dulac was also asked about the big men up front protecting Kenny Pickett, who just entered concussion protocol for the second time this season. He indirectly wrote about the poor play from the left side of the offensive line.
"As for their best OL, I think the right side of the line, starting with Cole at center, has been pretty good."
Pittsburgh Steelers center, Mason Cole (#61) prepares to snap the football to quarterback, Mitch Trubisky (#10) during a preseason game at Acrisure Stadium. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Left tackle, Dan Moore Jr. and guard, Kevin Dotson are tied with a Carolina Panthers' duo as being the most penalized in the NFL this season. Dotson admitted the sack that knocked Pickett out of game on Sunday was his fault and Moore Jr. has had several holding calls that ended up being one of the main reasons for a drive stalling. The last offensive lineman drafted in the first or second rounds was David DeCastro back in 2012.
Dulac was short and sweet with his reasoning, but the two positional groups that have been ignored by the front office early in the draft for the last decade need to be a point of emphasis come next April. General Manager, Omar Khan will have full reign and needs to focus on protecting his young franchise quarterback and stopping the run late in games. Cornerback and inside linebacker are also positions of concern, but not anywhere close to the ones Dulac brought up in this section of his chat.
What positions do you want to see the Steelers target early on in the 2023 draft? Let us know in the comments below!
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