Being one of the worst tackles currently in the NFL, Scott is more than likely done for a while. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

I don’t really think there’s anyone (other than possibly Jonathan Scott) who isn’t happy thrilled that the Steelers released the 60th ranked OT out of 70 in the NFL on Thursday afternoon.  And don’t try and tell me otherwise because I can’t hear you over all that cheering going on from Steeler Nation.  Yes it’s true, the man who allowed six sacks and a slug of QB hurries last season is finally gone.

Many of us had hunches that Scott would soon be out the door after the Steelers signed Max Starks earlier in the week.  But there are others out there who have taken it a step further and said that this move could pave the way for holdout Mike Wallace signing a long term deal.  Scott was owed $2.7 million this season, meaning roughly $2 million is left over after signing Starks.  NFL.com reported as of July 1st that the Steelers had $3.7 million in cap room.  Add in the Scott savings and the Steelers have about $5.7 million in the bank.  If that figure includes Wallaces tender, then the Steelers have almost $8 million to work with.

$8 million – could this possibly be the magic number Wallace needs in order to agree to a long term deal with the Steelers?  And really, that $8 million could mean more if the Steelers were to add in a huge signing bonus.  Is it possible that the legacy Scott leaves behind was to pave the way to a long term deal with Mike Wallace?  Hol—ly—shit.  Who would have thought.  Even crazier – was this Omar Khan’s plan all along?  If so, then the Steelers need to make a shrine at Heinz Field for being the best in the biz.

Of course this is just speculation.  CBS News and local numbskull, Jason LaCanfora, reported shortly after Scott’s release that the Steelers and Wallace have made some progress.  JL’s reports have been known to be flakey from time to time, so it’s tough to say what his sources are and how true they are.  It’s quite possible that he’s right, and the Steelers certainly have the greenbacks to support a Wallace deal.  The deal outlined above isn’t Fitzgerald money, but $8 million enough to get Wallace to compromise.  If it doesn’t, I don’t know how Wallace ever expects to get back out on that football field.

So what are your thoughts Nation – Could it be that Scott’s release paves the way for a Wallace?

Thank you Baby Jesus. Credit: David Richard-US PRESSWIRE

A good bill of health from his doctor and one Tweet later, Max Starks found himself back on the Steelers roster.  The big man from Florida inked a one year deal with the Steelers (financial details yet to be disclosed).  The signing of Starks means good things for the Steelers and their young offensive line.  There’s someone who can benefit more than the Steelers for this signing – and that person is rookie Mike Adams.

Shortly following the draft, the assumption was that Mike Adams would take over at left tackle – eventually and perhaps even immediately.  With Starks recovering from ACL surgery and Jonathan Scott the only option at tackle without having to jockey a bunch of other linemen (like Willie Colon), Adams quietly and comfortably rolled onto the first squad during OTA’s and mini camps.  A quick learner, Adams did well and impressed O-line coach Sean Kugler. And even though Adams looked like he was ‘the guy’ to protect our #7′s blindside in 2012, there were still numerous speculations (and still are) about a rookie starting in that position and being responsible for protecting the Steelers’ $100 million dollar investment.

We here at NPC have been saying for quite some time that it is imperative for the Steelers to re-sign the veteran tackle.  The Steelers have a history of late of having an offensive line that can’t stay healthy for the majority of the season.  Would YOU leave it up to Jonathan Scott to protect Big Ben if Mike Adams were to become injured?  I think not, and to say the team/O-line is taking a step backwards by signing Starks is ludicrous.  Quit drinking your Haterade and see the real value of this guy being on the roster.  There’s experience, mentorship, and talent just waiting to contribute to this team.  Age has nothing to do with it.  If the guy can still use his feet and hands and block the pass rush then he’s doing his job… and doing it well.

The Kug’s a good coach, there’s no dispute in that.  However, Starks has been in the trenches lately and can be there as not only a mentor for Adams, but also as someone who can push Adams by realistically competing for the starting job.  There’s no guarantees in the NFL, and if Adams doesn’t look like he can be the starting guy, then without hesitation he’ll get bumped.  He won’t get cut, unless his old habits with the Lady J creep back – but I strongly doubt that will happen.  He’s a good project for the offense to develop.  He has the potential to be a top notch left tackle, and I think Starks is the guy to help motivate and push Adams into that roll faster.  I’m at ease to know he’s on the team should Adams win the starting job and later become injured.  Starks was called upon last season and performed beautifully.  I believe he could do it again if need be.

I’m sure Ben Roethlisberger is also happy on of his good buddies is back on the squad.  He can go back to wearing his own jersey.  Besides, I think Starks still owes him a wedding gift…..

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Yet according to CBSSports.com’s Sports Xchange, Gilbert spent time at Left Tackle during the team’s second OTA, and two days ago he saw some 1st-Team action at Left Tackle when Adams was on the sidelines during the team’s minicamp.  I understand that to many it is usually not a “stop the presses” type of situation to take the time to discuss the status of a versatile 2nd year Tackle on a rebuilding unit.  Regardless, I figured that today would be a perfect opportunity to talk about Gilbert and his importance to the Steelers and their rebuilding plans along the Offensive Line over the coming seasons.

Gilbert in 2011 and at Right Tackle

Gilbert will be at least starting at one of the Tackle positions this season. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-US PRESSWIRE

If the Steelers elect to let Gilbert stay put at Right Tackle and continue his development at the position, you will not hear a peep out of me.  If some of you do not remember though, Gilbert ended up at Right Tackle essentially out of emergency after he was drafted in the 2nd Round in 2011. In fact, Gilbert actually saw time on the blind-side with the Steelers during preseason last year, and was originally slated to be the team’s “swing” Tackle on game-days.  But when an injury to Willie Colon late in Week 1 pressed Gilbert into action, the Rookie was thrown into the fire and performed well under the circumstances.

During a season which saw so much shuffling along the Offensive Line, Gilbert was a steady presence at Right Tackle and truly earned the team’s Rookie of the Year award.  Overall, Gilbert started 14 total games at Right Tackle (including the Playoff Game), and even saw action on the Left side when Max Starks went down with his knee injury against Denver in the Wild Card game.  But what made Gilbert’s overall performance last season that much more impressive to me though is the fact that he had no OTA’s, minicamps, etc. to get him ready for his Rookie year in the League.

While Gilbert did have a fine 2011 campaign on the Right side, it was not without some Rookie mistakes and a Week 16 benching.  The stay on the “pine pony” was not because of Gilbert’s play on the field however, but because of his apparent attitude throughout the previous week of practice which rubbed the Coaching Staff the wrong way.  Not what you want to see out of your favorite teams’ players, but I am sure there have been some Rookies over the years which needed some attitude adjustments.

Hopefully the benching lit a fire under Gilbert, because is no substitute for experience and overall talent along the Offensive Line.  If the Steelers indeed allow Gilbert to continue his development at Right Tackle, Pittsburgh will be able to have a young, yet stout Right side of their Offensive Line (with David DeCastro) which can be a formidable wall for Ben in the passing game and open up big holes in the running game for years to come.  But as nice as that sounds, I do wonder whether or not there are some circumstances where Gilbert might assume the Left Tackle spot this season.

“The Mike Adams Factor” and Gilbert at Left Tackle

I understand that the Steelers selected Adams in the 2nd Round of this year’s Draft, and I am sure he will do a solid job when his is eventually asked to protect “The Franchise” in the form of Big Ben in time.  To me, he was the Draft Class’ most gifted Left Tackle behind Matt Kalil in terms of overall talent and ability and figures to compete for a starting job there at some point.  However, what happens in the event that Adams is not be ready to step in at Left Tackle on Day 1?  Better yet, what happens if Adams is actually better suited to play Right Tackle in the early stages of his career while he adjusts to the speed rushers at the next level before sliding over to the other side?

If this is the case, having Gilbert man the Left Tackle position, like he was originally scheduled to do this season, will not be a huge issue in terms of his performance.  I am sure he could not be any worse than the inconsistent Jonathan Scott or the effective yet oft-injured Max Starks.  In fact, I am sure that had Willie Colon not gone down with an injury, Gilbert would have been called upon to step in on the Left side after all of the injuries and shoddy play the Steelers had there early last season.

If Gilbert mans the Left Tackle spot though, would Adams be a good fit on the Right side early in his career?  Personally, I believe so.  Let’s consider the following:

Placing a massive and above-average run-blocker like Adams next to fellow Rookie road-grader David DeCastro and one of the best blocking Tight Ends in Heath Miller would be awesome scenario for the Steelers if they want to run the ball on a consistent basis.  Then when you factor in the possibility of the athletic Willie Colon pulling from Left Guard, it would create some devastating matchup-issues for the opposition in the run game.  In terms of protecting Big Ben, Adams should be one of the better Right Tackles in pass protection in the League because of his talent, and might be worth a look on the Right side if the Steelers are in any way a bit uncomfortable with him on an island as a raw Rookie.  Thus, if Pittsburgh is in any way more comfortable with Gilbert protecting Ben’s blind-sde, Adams might be worth a look at Right Tackle because he could flourish there before moving to the Left.

Finding out which player has the better skill set to protect Big Ben’s blind-side in 2012 is a top priority over the next couple of months, and giving both Gilbert and Adams reps until one wins the job can only help.  Both will/should get reps at both Tackle spots, and it will be up to the Coaching Staff to determine which player works best and where.  The more competition the better, and whichever guy proves he is the better Left Tackle, then so be it.  Yet once a decision is made, the team has to run with it and not look back so both can settle into whichever role fits them best and the Offensive Line as a whole can gel with everybody in place.

Final Thoughts

It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds during Training Camp and where Gilbert will ultimately play once the season starts.  Gilbert played Right Guard and both Tackle spots during his collegiate career at Florida, and Right Tackle last season so the versatility is there for him to play either Tackle spot.  But no matter where Gilbert ends up, the Steelers should at least feel confident that one of the Tackle spots is being manned by an effective and experienced starter.  And on a team where injuries have seemed to always occur to their Offensive Linemen over the last half decade, Gilbert’s versatility will always be needed.  At least to me it is comforting to know that there is hope when it comes to the fortunes of Pittsburgh’s Offensive Line led by the “veteran sage” (29 years old) Willie Colon, and there is a large amount of young talent like Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Mike Adams, and Marcus Gilbert at each position.

So where do you the readers think Gilbert should play?  Left or Right?  Why?  Let me know.

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Starks will be a valuable asset to the line - starter or backup. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

It may not be as bad as some love sick teen waiting for that next phone call from McDreamy, but Max Starks is playing the waiting game while the Steelers contemplate his return to the team.  And while ‘The Undertaker’ waits for that phone call to happen… or not… rest assured he’s not wasting time this offseason during his recovery from knee surgery.

In a quick little run in with the Trib, Starks admitted that the Steelers have yet to contact him at all this offseason regarding his return.  Starks suffered an ACL tear during the Denver playoff game.  He had surgery shortly after and has been in recovery mode since.  He was on his way to Phoenix for more rehab while speaking with the Trib.  Starks says he expects to be ready to play by Week 1.  Does that mean he would or would not miss camp?  He will be right at the tail end of an average recovery time for an ACL tear.  It’s safe to assume that Starks is the kind of player that can miss camp and it not completely ruin his ability to play at left tackle – he came in during Week 5 of last season, started, and played very well the rest of the season.  But will Week 1 be too late?

The Trib reported that the team plans on the battle for left tackle to take place between three players: Mike Adams, Trai Essex, and Jonathan Scott.  In other words, Mike Adams will be starting at left tackle.  Essex is a suitable backup, but he’s not the starter the Steelers need in that position.  And, we all know how worthless Scott is there.  Adams is all but set to start there.  That’s why it’s critical that Starks get that phone call.  Starks, even having to learn a new playbook with new OC Todd Haley, could help keep what is potentially the highest caliber offensive line the Steelers have ever seen still running on all cylinders.

You can’t tell me that the Steelers see more value in keeping Scott (and quite frankly wasting an entire roster spot) over resigning Starks.  Starks doesn’t put himself in the public ‘spotlight’ too often, but he appears to be the kind of guy that would be happy to play for a playoff caliber team.  Seems like he would prefer to be on a team where he has such great chemistry with other players already.  In other words, if he doesn’t start, he won’t be a distraction in the locker room.  So why not give him that phone call?  I’m sure the Steelers are a little cautious and making sure that he recovers completely from his knee injury without a falloff in productivity.

I guess the bigger question would be – Would another team in need snatch him up before the Steelers are ready to?  After all, Starks did say, ‘I just want to get healthy and play for somebody.’  I hope it’s for the Black and Gold.

Pray hard my friend. You might need a miracle to get back on this team.... again. Credit: David Richard-US PRESSWIRE

‘The Rookies’ got their jersey numbers on Monday.  Perusing the long form roster, we can all heave a large sigh as #86 has not been re-issued already.  I’m hoping the Steelers leave that one off the boards for a few years for those who had a soul and cherished our beloved Ward.  But as I scanned the list, I noticed that Max Starks and that #78 were missing from that roster.  Got me thinking – will we ever see that name again with that number?

Couple nights ago, @SteelersAddict on Twitter asked if the Steelers should make sure to bring back Starks now that they drafted Mike Adams.  I emphatically replied ‘YES!’  And I mean it with all that twittered gusto.  Bring back Starks, let he and Colon, Gilbert and Adams all duke it out during camp.  The Steelers will be better for whomever comes out on top.  It’s a win win for the Steelers.  Of course this is working under the assumption that Starks is healthy enough for camp.  But even if he is not, there is always the ever popular PUP list that will already be filled with stars like Mendenhall.  Should Starks come back but not be ready, he could always ride the PUP list for 6 weeks and not count as a roster spot until those 6 weeks are up.  Worth undertaking?  I think so.

But will the Steelers bring Starks back?  On paper, aside from their experience, Adams has some speed and arm length over Starks.  I don’t think Adams will be the guy to start, but we would all be about as foolish as Cleveland Browns fans to think that the Steelers won’t groom him to hit that line as soon as possible.  So what is Starks’ worth in the meantime?  Not sure what kind of teaching license #78 has these days, but he could be one of the best teaching tools for the Steelers to use for a guy like Adams.  But sometimes we know that the Steelers can walk away from a valuable tool like that for their younger players (see Release of Hines Ward).  There is also the scenario that Willie Colon can stay healthy enough to make it onto the practice field in Latrobe this summer.  We haven’t seen significant any playing time from this guy for some time.  Will he be any good still after back to back season ending injuries?

I still feel that the Steelers need to bring back Starks for at least camp if not longer.  He will be a good asset to the team – whether a starter or a backup.  And the Steelers know better than anyone you can’t have too many offensive linemen waiting on the sidelines.  In fact, Starks is well worth the roster spot for just that trend.  Also, with all the other changes taking place this offseason by acquiring new OC Todd Haley, Big Ben might need his ‘best bud’ for some bro love on the sidelines when things get tough.

Could we see the #78 jersey in Latrobe this season?  Maybe.  But, it might be on Roethlisberger’s back again….

For the record and future: Jonathan Scott will NEVER enter a post when discussing the Steelers offensive line for next season.  He is as good as out, and good riddance along with Kemoeatu.

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