By: Jake Rajala

The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t have one offensive lineman that deserves to throw a stone in 2022. The Steelers OL was recently dubbed as the 30th best OL by PFF. The Steelers OL consists of LT Dan Moore Jr, LG Kevin Dotson, C Mason Cole, RG James Daniels, and RT Chukwuma Okorafor. Moore Jr. was a modest blind-side LT for a 23-year-old last season – as he garnered a 57.8 grade by PFF (while allowing several sacks). It will be vital that he can improve in his sophomore season for the likely starting, somewhat shaky QB Mitchell Trubisky. It should be noted that the former Steelers OG Ramon Foster feels optimistic about the young LT. Per Heavy., Foster stated, “I’m excited for him. He is able to get in space, which gives him high lights. He finishes well. His technique has been good, too, and his knowledge of the game will just continue to evolve the more and more he plays.

Dotson had a somewhat admirable rookie campaign with a clear display of pass-blocking talent (with zero sacks allowed), but he sadly took a step back in his sophomore season – as he allowed 3 sacks and had a PFF grade of 64.5 in nine games. He has regressed (to say the least), but he is still a young OL.

The center Mason Cole is a steady veteran that was scooped up from the NFL club in the Twin Cities this off-season. Cole notched a 69.7 grade by PFF in 2021 – with only two sacks allowed & 0 penalties enforced. The 26-year-old inked a three-year deal worth $15.75 million dollars with the Steelers.

The Steelers should feel quite confident in the RG James Daniels – as he garnered a 71.8 grade by PFF in 2021. His new teammate, Cole, recently spoke very positively about Daniels. Per Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Cole stated, “James is awesome, man. He’s going to be really good for our camp. He’s fun to be around. He’s never complaining, always working hard. He’s here to go to work, and he’s here to have a good time, too, which is fun.” It’s widely enunciated that Daniels is talented and passionate.

The Steelers RT, Chukwuma Okorafor, had his ups and downs in 2021: He had a whopping 11 penalties, but he helped his rookie RB Najee Harris rush for He garnered 1,200 yds and 7 TDs. His crucial involvement in the Steelers ground attack is why the Steelers brought him back on a three-year deal worth $29.5 million dollars.

It’s easy to say the Steelers OL isn’t sexy or near the same caliber of previous Steelers OLs in the Mike Tomlin era (which are both accurate statements). Although, it should be noted that the Steelers OL is quite young – as Mason Cole is the only starter over the age of 25 (and he’s 26). The Steelers will have growing pains, but they could certainly ascend into a potent OL unit in the future.

The post Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line outlook right now appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

It will not be easy for the Pittsburgh Steelers to return to the playoffs in the Big Ben-less era. With that said, I’m going to simply untwine three under-the-radar profiles that could help the Steelers shine in a division that may not have Deshaun Watson next season.

Larry Ogunjobi

Larry Ogunjobi was one of the best-kept secrets with the Browns for four seasons and then he really blossomed with a new AFC North team in Cincinnati last season. Ogunjobi recorded career-high marks in sacks (7.5), TFLs (12), and QB hits (16). The Steelers DL may have the reigning DPOY winner and Pro Bowl DL Cameron Heyward, but Ogunjobi can certainly be the x-factor on defense for many years. The Steelers ranked first in sacks last season and the recent off-season signing of the former Browns third-round draft pick should help solidify the Steelers as a Top-3 team in sacks next season.

Mason Cole

The Steelers center Mason Cole is certainly the x-factor on the Steelers offensive line. He has already caught the attention of his quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Per Steelers Depot, Trubisky stated, “I didn’t even know if he was gonna be the center at the time because they were talking about guard or center, but he’s working in at center and has done a great job. Me and him have gotten really close from day one”. The plan is for Cole to start at center, but he does have the ability to excel at guard. Cole earned a modest 69.7 grade by PFF last season.

Pat Freiermuth

The Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth hauled in an impressive 7 touchdowns as a rookie. Freiermuth also had a 72.3 grade by PFF last season and PFF named him as a 2022 breakout candidate. The Steelers may have a talented WR trio, but it’s important to not lose sight of the Steelers second-year TE. It shouldn’t be a surprise if he has double-digit touchdowns and a Pro Bowl berth next season.

The post 3 underrated players on the Pittsburgh Steelers appeared first on Pro Football Mania.