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Steelers Pre-Camp Projected Depth Chart

By Kim Myers

Jul 27, 2015; Latrobe, PA, USA; The Pittsburgh Steelers huddle on the field during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2015; Latrobe, PA, USA; The Pittsburgh Steelers huddle on the field during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Marcus Gilbert (77) prior to the game against the Denver Broncos in an AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Marcus Gilbert (77) prior to the game against the Denver Broncos in an AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Tackles:

Starters: Marcus Gilbert, Alejandro Villanueva

Backups: Jerald Hawkins, Ryan Harris

Steelers right tackle Marcus Gilbert is arguably one of the most underrated players on the team. He was signed to a six-year contract extension in 2014 and turned around and showed up slimmer and leaner in 2015.

He’s played better and been healthier since adapting the healthier lifestyle and is proof that the investment the Steelers made years ago with first and second-round draft picks on the offensive line will continue to pay off for years to come.

Former Steelers second-round draft pick out of Ohio State Mike Adams took himself out of the running to be a part of this line after spending the entire 2015 season on Injured Reserve. The Steelers released Adams in May.

On the other side of the Ben Roethlisberger lies one of the most intriguing camp battles between Alejandro Villanueva and Ryan Harris. The Steelers signed Harris this offseason after letting Kelvin Beachum go after more money in free agency.

Villanueva stepped in for the injured Beachum last season and played left tackle for the first time in his professional football career.

Is Big Al the long-term answer at left tackle? The Steelers couldn’t possibly think so or they wouldn’t have signed free agent Ryan Harris from the Denver Broncos this offseason. Villanueva allowed seven sacks in the last ten games so he’s going to have to improve many aspects of his techniques to lock down the starting position.

Harris was a third round draft pick out of Notre Dame by the Broncos in 2007 but bounced around before having a second stint with Denver in 2012 and then a third one last season. Harris was the starting left tackle on the Super Bowl 50 Champion team.

Big Al has the size advantage over Harris but Harris has the experience. This will be one to keep an eye on but I think that Villanueva has the edge as the incumbent.

Next: Center

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