The Steelers missed a big opportunity to solidify the offensive line
While the Steelers were able to add physical freak, Chase Claypool, and intriguing 4th round pick, Kevin Dotson, the Steelers missed a big opportunity to add a high profile offensive line prospect.
Certainly, Chase Claypool is going to be a welcome addition to the Steelers offense. The 6’4″ 238-pound wide receiver tore up the NFL Combine with a blazing 4.42 forty yard dash and finished top 10 in both the vertical Jump and broad Jump. He has all the physical traits you could want in a WR and more.
While Claypool will definitely make a good addition to the receiving core, after a season during which the decline of the offensive line was rather evident, the Steelers made a mistake not addressing the unit at pick 49.
The Steelers have been lucky enough to have one of the most consistent offensive lines over the past 8-10 seasons. Alejandro Villanueva, David Decastro, and Maurkice Pouncey have all been cornerstone guys at their respective positions. However, age is clearly becoming an issue. With the draft board falling the way it did, the Steelers had the opportunity to add a young up-and-coming prospect who could learn from and eventually take over for these battle-tested veterans.
Highly-touted offensive line prospects such as Ezra Cleveland, Josh Jones, and Lloyd Cushenberry were all available and would have been valued additions to the offensive line room. As of now, the only real depth behind the starting five is 4th round pick, Kevin Dotson. While Dotson definitely has the tools to one day become an impact guard, he is still very raw, especially in pass protection. Expecting him to come in right away and be the only real depth is a little too much to ask from the small-school rookie.
With 38-year-old Ben Roethlisberger having a history of injuries on his resume’, one of which he is still recovering from, it would have been smart to give him as much protection as possible. While it is always nice to add weapons for your quarterback, how do you expect him to get the ball to these teammates if he doesn’t have time to throw.
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In addition, the team already has three solid, young receivers who Pittsburgh holds to high esteem. Don’t get me wrong, Chase Claypool is undoubtedly going to be an exciting weapon for the Steelers offense and his potential is through the roof. However, if the decline of the offensive line continues, it may derail yet another season for the Black and Gold.