Chukwuma Okorafor must win the right tackle job in 2020 for the Steelers

With the right tackle position battle heating up for the Steelers, Okorafor needs to win out if Pittsburgh wants a consistent line in 2020.

With training camp ramping up for the Steelers, one of the hottest training camp battles is who will end up being the starting right tackle. Last year’s incumbent, Matt Feiler, seems poised to shift inside to replace Ramon Foster, meaning RT will have to be filled by either Chukwuma Okorafor or Zach Banner. If the Steelers had an eye to the future, they would be sure to give Okorafor every opportunity to start that they can.

In the NFL, it is important to have a capable starter at both OT spots. While traditionally the RT would be tasked with being more of a mauler and less of a pass protector, the modern-day NFL pass rushers attack from both sides. This means having a capable RT is important, as not having one can lead to more sacks and a higher chance for injury.

While Feiler served admirably in that role last year, he seems better suited as an OG anyway. As well, both Okorafor and Banner have shown positive traits at OT, meaning one of them should man down that position this year. While it can and should be an open competition, the Steelers would be set up better if Okorafor wins the spot.

The Steelers have three OL free agents next year

This isn’t a knock-on Banner by any means. He has overcome the odds, transformed his body, and has become a steady player after almost falling out of the league. Even better, he actually beat out Okorafor for the swing tackle role last year. While he is easy to root for, he is also only on a one-year deal, and with so much uncertainty about the cap going into next year, he could easily play his way off the Steelers roster.

That’s where Okorafor comes in. The former third-round pick struggled in camp last year and has only started in four games so far in his career. That said, he was extremely raw coming out of college (having started his football career late), and according to him, he struggled through injuries last year. If some of those issues are behind him, he can hopefully show the potential the Steelers saw in him when they drafted him.

As well, Okorafor is more of an athlete and technician over Banner’s mauling style at RT. Neither style is bad, but Okorafor’s is more suited to be an LT. With this likely being Alejandro Villanueva’s final year with the team (as he too is in the final year of his deal) the Steelers will be hunting for an LT next year. If Okorafor can win the RT spot this year and play well, he will be a prime candidate to shift to the LT spot next year.

Of course, the big if is if he can win the RT spot. If Banner wins out and starts, the Steelers could be looking at a situation where they lose both of their starting OTs next year. This would leave the line weak and in question going into what could be Ben Roethlisberger’s final year. If one of those spots could be occupied by an incumbent (Okorafor), that would help transition the Steelers line into their next starting group.

Obviously, this battle will be won by the better talent, but every Steelers fan ought to be rooting for Okorafor to come out as the victor. If he does, the Steelers could be set with at least one of their starting OTs next year. If he doesn’t win out though, the Steelers could be in a bad situation going into next year along the offensive line. This battle should be fierce, and its implications will likely be important not just this year, but next year as well.