Grading the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line in 2019

The Pittsburgh Steelers had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL last season. Here’s how I have them graded this year.

The Steelers offensive line is widely regarded as one of the best and most consistent units in all of football. Though this group is getting up there in age, they consistently get the job done for Ben Roethlisberger and company.

Pittsburgh’s offensive line looks mainly the same in 2019. Here’s a quick breakdown of their top guys, and how I have their unit graded to start the season:

Alejandro Villanueva, LT

We all know Alejandro Villanueva as that big offensive tackle that is impossible not to like. However, Big Al is so much more than that – he’s one of the better left tackles in the league. Villanueva graded out as Pro Football Focus’s 12th ranked tackle in 2018.

Ramon Foster, LG

Foster is a mammoth of an offensive lineman. The 330 pound guard is an anchor against the pass and unmovable against the run. He doesn’t have the best feet or agility on the line, but his technique is sound. He was PFF’s 16th rated guard last season, but at 33 years old, age is no longer on his side.

Maurkice Pouncey, C

Pouncey is the staple to this Pittsburgh offensive line, and has been a starter since 2010. He has an undeniable track record – making the Pro Bowl 7 out of 8 season with 2 All-Pros to boot. Still just 29 years old, Pouncey has some prime seasons left in the tank.

David DeCastro, RG

Despite Pouncey’s impressive pedigree, DeCastro is currently the best offensive lineman on the Steelers. The All-Pro guard is solid against the pass and ferocious when the Steelers run the ball. He and Pouncey next to each other make one of the best interior offensive lineman pairings in the league.

Matt Feiler, RT

If there  is a weak link to the Steelers offensive line, it is Matt Feiler; though he is no bum himself. The former undrafted tackle started 10 games in place of the injured Marcus Gilbert last year, and more than held his own – grading out as PFF’s 32nd rated offensive tackle.

B.J. Finney, G

Finney is one of the most underrated interior offensive lineman, in my opinion. Every time he steps on the field, he is anchoring against the pass and carving holes in the run game. Finney only has 9 starts in thee seasons, but has suited up for 43 games and has been as good as you could ask when called upon.

Chukwuma Okorafor, OT

Okorafor stands to be the Steelers primary backup at offensive tackle this season, with a chance to be more. Former offensive line coach, Mike Munchak, fell in love with Okorafor’s skill set, and the Steelers swooped him up with a 3rd round pick last year. He will have a chance to carve a role soon enough.

Overall offensive line grade: A

There isn’t a lot more you could ask from an offensive line that Munchak’s posse didn’t provide over the past 5 seasons. They are all good, consistent football players who don’t seem to be declining yet in their old age (knock on wood).

Shaun Sarrett is now commanding the offensive line – taking the place of Munchak this offseason. If he can prove to be anywhere as good as Munchak was, the Steelers unit will be fine. However, there is certainly a chance we could see a dip in their efficiency this year. Overall, I still believe the Steelers will have one of the leagues best units yet again in 2019.