Ranking every Steelers position by need in 2023 offseason

Dec 9, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (center) talks with free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) and cornerback Arthur Maulet (35) and cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) and teammates during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

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Kevin Dotson #69 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Steelers position of need #7: IOL

Need level: Would love an upgrade but not necessary

Yes, I have the Steeler interior offensive line in the back half of the needs for the team. Sue me.

In all seriousness, while fans love to lazily say the offensive line is the biggest need for this team, it really isn’t. When you break this group into interior players and tackles, the guards and centers really aren’t in that bad of shape. The only real weakness there is Kevin Dotson.

Am open to the Steelers replacing Dotson this year? Absolutely, because if they can find a more long-term solution at guard they need to take it. That said, if a better option never materialized in free agency or the draft, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. The unit could get by with another season of Dotson starting.

What could be really sneaky is the team targeting a center. I’m not saying it is locked into happening, but it could work out that way with most top center prospects looking like day two picks. No, that doesn’t mean Mason Cole is cut or benched, as he can easily slot in at guard. All of that said, this is more of a luxury need than a desperate one.