Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Gilbert and Chukwuma Okorafor have an interesting two years ahead
2018 isn’t going to lead to any major changes in the offensive line, but the Pittsburgh Steelers will have a decision to make sooner rather than later at right tackle.
Marcus Gilbert has developed into one of the NFL’s top right tackles. Today, that’s a position just as important as left. Without a strong side blocker protecting the outside, an offense can falter no matter the talent within it.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are lucky enough to find themselves with one more reliable than almost any. Gilbert may have taken a little time to get to where he is, but now that he’s here, he’s considered a significant part of this unit’s success.
But the story has gotten a little confusing over the past few weeks. With Pittsburgh taking their chances with a right tackle in the third-round of the NFL Draft, many wonder whether Gilbert’s time is coming to an end before many believed it would.
Gilbert isn’t going anywhere this season, or next for that matter. He’s under contract the next two years, and the Steelers won’t be looking to change much of their protection with Ben Roethlisberger and Le’Veon Bell still around.
After that, though, the table is wide open for someone new. Jerald Hawkins hasn’t impressed to the level of a starting right tackle. He could come a long way in two years, but assuming he’s still competing with Gilbert and Chukwuma Okorafor, chances are he’ll stay in that backup role.
Okorafor could be the difference maker. Spending a third-round pick on a tackle is usually a sign that you want him to turn into something more than a career backup. He has plenty to work on as a rookie, but his potential is high.
If Gilbert’s contract is up after next season and the Steelers are looking at Okorafor as the next chapter in the starting lineup, he’ll work his way in with little trouble.
He’ll need to be very good. No one is handing him the starting job just because of where he was drafted. This is the NFL, right tackles are as important as left. Gilbert provides security, and unless Okorafor brings the same level of reliability, he’s not worth the risk.
Two years from now, though, this could be a very interesting position to watch. Yes, it’s a ways away, but watching his development now is just as important as it will be next offseason.
Next: 5 training camp battles to watch for
This is a position battle that’ll continue for two years. It’s not as exciting as watching Mason Rudolph and Ben Roethlisberger, but it’s just as important, and one everyone should be keeping an eye on.