Steelers: Who will start at left tackle?
By Jack Tolman
The Pittsburgh Steelers has built one of strongest offensive lines in the league, yet the left tackle position still seems up for grabs with multiple candidates to fill the role.
Since Mike Munchak came in as offensive line coach for Pittsburgh in 2014, the unit has been pretty impressive, holding a spot in the top 15 in sacks allowed and ranked 2nd in the league in QB hits allowed, even without star center Maurkice Pouncey.
With Pouncey in the lineup, the Steelers have a top 5 offensive line which is vitally important in protecting an aging Ben Roethlisberger who Pittsburgh cannot afford to lose for any extended period of time this season if they hope to compete for a Super Bowl.
Yet, despite the stability of the line, one position seems unresolved.
With Kelvin Beachum going down with any injury last season, Alejandro Villanueva filled in admirably, but was it enough to secure him the starting job this season? With Beachum enjoying sunny Jacksonville, who can take the helm?
The Steelers acquired Ryan Harris in the offseason from the Denver Broncos. Harris has jumped from team to team throughout his career, but hasn’t found real success until the last season where Harris started all 16 games for the injured Ryan Clady and did a fair job, helping to protect Peyton Manning on his way to a Super Bowl championship.
Harris and Villanueva make up the likely competition, with Villanueva probably having a slight edge at the current moment, but they also aren’t the only ones to be considered.
4th round pick Jerald Hawkins will at least have the opportunity to prove what he can do. It’s highly unlikely he’ll get the nod as a starter. The Steelers usually aren’t too keen on starting too many rookies, and with 3 potentially starting on defense this year, a 4th might be unlikely.
On top of that, they have two other candidates that are average players who can get the job done, so putting money on a 4th round pick just doesn’t seem like the way to go.
It might not be the most enticing competition in training camp this offseason, but it’s something to keep an eye on. Protecting Ben Roethlisberger is going to be the most important thing this season if Pittsburgh wants to make the trip to Houston in February.