Steelers made a bold offseason gamble (and it'll be tested at camp)

The big guys in the trenches could use some reinforcements.
Pittsburgh Steelers OL
Pittsburgh Steelers OL | Brooke Sutton/GettyImages

As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to report to training camp, several noticeable gaps remain on their roster. They could benefit from reinforcements at multiple positions heading into the preseason, and these needs should be addressed before Week 1 of the regular season. General Manager Omar Khan is expected to be actively seeking potential additions to strengthen the team in the coming weeks.

The offensive line finally has a starting five that fans have been begging for since last year. Injuries and other issues last season pushed the date back to witness this starting five in action. It’s a largely unproven group, but one with significant potential ahead of them. A massive season could shove this group into a top unit in the NFL. If they struggle, it could push the reset button in the trenches.

When you search beyond the starting five going into training camp, there isn't much behind them.

The depth chart should concern most fans, especially after the number of injuries that happened to the offensive line last year. They cannot afford any of their starters to miss time this season. If they do, the players waiting in the wings are not nearly as talented as they were around this time last year.

Pittsburgh Steelers must upgrade their roster by adding to the offensive line at training camp

Pittsburgh has a massive problem waiting to happen at training camp. They cannot afford any issues in terms of injury during a brutal NFL calendar. It would be problematic not to imagine this starting five suffering some issues along the way. They still need a few key upgrades before the regular season begins. Otherwise, they could be playing with a fire that quickly grows into an inferno.

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Luckily for the Steelers, there should be several options available who could help their depth chart.

They could always sign a free agent to the roster. Offensive tackles like Andrus Peat and Isaiah Wynn, both former starters, are still looking for a team. They could provide valuable competition in training camp as they fight for a roster spot. Either choice should help push Calvin Anderson for his job.

Pittsburgh has full trust in Isaac Seumalo, but they can't bank on Mason McCormick continuing his success from last season. The Steelers must consider adding Will Hernandez or Shaq Mason as possible challengers. Both have experience playing both guard spots, and their starting experience would boost the roster.

It would be smart to add a player right before training camp, before this becomes a gargantuan issue.

Right now, the Steelers' top backups consist of Calvin Anderson as their swing tackle, Spencer Anderson as their swing guy along the interior, and Ryan McCollum as their backup center. Calvin Anderson was a depth piece for the team last season, but he shouldn't be your top backup. McCollum and Spencer Anderson are two unproven depth pieces who haven't shown enough.

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