It’s no big secret by now that the Steelers possess a very solid grouping of guys up front. Led by former All-Pro’s David DeCastro and Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh’s offensive line finished as the best in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.
Though the Steelers starting offensive line unit is getting up there in age, they were able to stand together as one of the best and most consistent lines in all of football last year. PFF Steelers had this to say about the impressive group:
All 5 #Steelers starters on the OL graded in the top-14 at their position.
— PFF PIT Steelers (@PFF_Steelers) May 14, 2019
As a unit, they finished the season as the top ranked OL in the NFL.https://t.co/dSlBsm21ZA
The Steelers lost offensive line coach, Mike Munchak, to the Broncos this offseason. During his time in Pittsburgh, however, he was responsible for developing late round and undrafted players who proved to be vital to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With his help, here is how each starting offensive lineman ranked from Pro Football Focus in 2018:
LT Alejandro Villanueva – 12th
With a more than respectable grade of 78.1, Big Al was rock-solid for the Steelers a season ago. As a former wide receiver and military veteran, it’s almost hard to believe where Villanueva has ended up at this point in his career. He and James Conner make up two of the most heart-warming stories in all of football.
LG Ramon Foster – 16th
Now at 33 years old, Ramon Foster comes in with a grade last season of 69.1. Foster has been one of the best free agent signings by the Steelers in recent memory and often doesn’t get the recognition he deserves as an 8-year starter for Pittsburgh.
C Maurkice Pouncey – 14th
The former 1st round draft choice out of Florida earned a grade of 68.9 this past season. Like Foster, Pouncey is an 8-year starter on the Steelers offensive line. The prolific center has seen 7 Pro Bowl appearances and 2 All-Pros before the age of 30.
RG David DeCastro – 11th
As an All-Pro and one of the younger starting piece to this offensive line, David DeCastro is, in my opinion, the most important piece to the offensive line puzzle for the Steelers. DeCastro is a tenacious, physical player who will likely see his name beside Alan Faneca as one of the best too ever play guard for the Steelers.
RT Matt Feiler – 32nd
Matt Feiler is the lowest graded starter among the Steelers impressive offensive line unit (I think there might have been a mix up with his rating on PFF’s site), but still earned a respectable grade of 71.0 this year from Pro Football Focus. Feiler is entering his fifth season in the NFL, but has just 17 total starts under his belt. He is expected to compete for the starting right tackle role in 2019.