5 most underrated Steelers offensive players since 2000
By Scott Long
2. Marvel Smith
Like Foster, Marvel Smith is another offensive lineman who does not get nearly as much recognition as he deserves. Smtih spent his entire nine-year career in the black and gold and won two Super Bowls.
According to Pro Football Reference, Smith was named to one Pro Bowl and started 108 games with the team. While offensive linemen are typically players that don’t get much love due to their not showing up in highlights or on the stat sheet, Smith seems especially underrated. Despite being named to a Pro Bowl, and showing the capability to play both left and right tackle, very few ever mention his name.
Smith was the blindside blocker for the early portion of Ben Roethlisberger’s career, and the stability he provided at that position was crucial to the development of the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Despite the love that Villanueva gets, Smith may very well be the best offensive tackle that Roethlisberger ever had.