Give up?

Believe it or not “Steeler Nation,” but if you guessed “Max Starks,” you would be correct!

Starks has been a fixture with the Steelers since 2004. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

That’s right readers, Starks not only started all 16 of Pittsburgh’s regular season games at the Offensive Line’s most important spot (Left Tackle), but one could argue that he was Pittsburgh’s most consistent and effective Offensive Lineman all year long.

Despite his solid effort this past year, Starks does not believe that he will be coming back for a 10th season in “The Steel City,” even after one of the best seasons of his career from a run-blocking and pass-protecting standpoint.  In a recent interview with Mike Bires of “The Beaver County Times” (via Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com), Starks shared his thoughts on the prospects of him sticking with the Steelers in 2013:

“Anytime you draft tackles in the second round in back-to-back years, I think it’s their plan to have them as the starting left and right tackles in the future.  That’s their goal.  So being a realist, I am not expecting to be back.”

Would it be nice to see Marcus Gilbert and Mike Adams step-up and emerge as the team’s starting Left and Right Tackles next year?  Heck yes it would.  If both could play the entire season together (16 regular season games, plus hopefully playoffs) and develop into a pair of solid book-ends to make the veteran Starks expendable during this crucial rebuilding process, I would be downright overjoyed.

Unfortunately, I live in a little place called “reality.”  And I know that asking for a season without injuries along the Steelers’ Offensive Line is a pretty tall order, especially over the last half decade in which assorted ailments have plagued Pittsburgh’s players in the trenches.

If you readers care to remember, Craig and I expressed last Summer why it would be in the Steelers’ best interests to re-up the former Florida Gator to a veteran 1 year deal.  Few agreed with us and our thoughts on Starks being a steady insurance policy, especially after he sustained a knee injury during Pittsburgh’s Wild Card Playoff Loss to Denver last January.  But just like clock-work, once the preseason began Pittsburgh’s Offensive Linemen began dropping like flies due to injuries.  Thankfully for Pittsburgh, all Max did was come in and play effective football and protect the Steelers’ signal-callers blind-side’s throughout the regular season.

Because quality depth and health remain such areas of concern along the Steelers’ Offensive Line, I believe that G.M. Kevin Colbert should at least attempt to re-up Starks for “one last go-around” with the franchise in the neighborhood of a 1 year $1-1.25 million deal (his contract last season was worth $890,000).  In fact, I hope that if the Steelers do re-up Starks that the starting Left Tackle position is open to competition during this offseason.  That way, Pittsburgh will give the Top 3 Tackles (Starks, Gilbert, and Adams) on their depth chart the opportunity to win the blind-side job outright.  As I alluded to before, I would love to see these younger players and high Draft selections like Gilbert and Adams have to stay hungry and fight for a chance to start, especially after such an under-achieving and injury-plagued season like this past one was.  Maybe the extra heat on the 2nd and 3rd year players will inspire them to take their collective games’ to new levels and leave the veteran on the sidelines.

Health permitting next season, the Steelers must find a way to play the best player at each position along the Offensive front, regardless of age and experience.  Thus, if Max is yet again believed to be the best option the team will have available at Left Tackle, they should go with him until Starks either calls it quits, or a younger player usurps him, not simply going with them because of their “Draft Status.”

As it stands now, I believe that there is no harm in the Steelers attempting to sign Starks to another one year contract in the neighborhood of $1 million dollars this offseason.  Best case scenario, Max wrestles the Left Tackle job away from Adams and Gilbert.  Worst case scenario, Starks is a quality “Swing” backup at the Left and Right Tackle positions and stands as a steady veteran presence for the young players along the Offensive Line.

Yet if another team offers Starks more money and/or a starting job outright this offseason, then I say more power to him and “Thank You” for 9 years, 123 Regular Season Games, 96 Starts, and the opportunity to watch 2 Super Bowl wins.  I just believe that it would be unwise for the Steelers’ brass to simply dismiss a player like Starks so easily, especially when the “O-Line Issues” have yet to be fully solved.

Plus, what’s wrong with having a “steady, safe, and largely inexpensive” insurance policy like Starks at your team’s disposal at such an important position?

Stats & Contract Information Courtesy of: Pro Football Reference.com and Spotrac.com

Guard David DeCastro looked primed to contribute and do some nice things during his Rookie season, but his knee injury should keep him out for a significant amount this year.  But since they do not cancel games, the Steelers were forced to play some “roster Tetris” and start the music for some “Offensive Line Musical Chairs” for the umpteenth time in the last few seasons.  Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, they will be facing likely their toughest A.F.C. pass-rushing foe this week in the form of the Denver Broncos.

I believe I have stated it before, but Denver recorded 41.0 Sacks last season.  For those of you scoring at home, 41.0 was ranked Tied for 10th in the League last season and 4th in the Conference as well.  “Gunslingin’” Dumervil and Von Miller have usurped James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley (at least in my opinion) as the most dynamic pass rushing duo in the A.F.C., and will be hungry to start the season off right.  Furthermore, Denver drafted the talented Derek Wolfe out of Cincinnati in April, and he can do some damage from a pass-rushing perspective also.  And although Denver’s top pass-rushing Linebacker from 2011, D.J. Williams (5.0), will be forced to sit this weekend, the Broncos should have more than enough fire-power along their Line to create some havoc and make life difficult for Big Ben this weekend.

This Offensive Line has been beset by injuries and poor play over the last half decade (2007-2011), and when you combine that with the fact that Roethlisberger is fond of extending plays, the Sack numbers which have accumulated over the years have been a bit ridiculous.  Steelers Quarterbacks, with Ben taking most of the beatings, have hit the dirt 231 times over the last 5 seasons which averages out to just over 46.0 Sacks per year.  Denver got to Big Ben 5 times in the Wild Card Game and I am sure new Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio is well aware of that fact.  Granted, Ben was pretty much playing that game on one foot, but Denver was collapsing the pocket on a consistent basis with Miller and Dumervil doing much of the damage.

Hopefully there will be more happiness caused by the Line than sadness. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE

Are There Ways to Help Offensive Line?

The biggest way to help Big Ben avoid hits will of course be some productivity in the running game, an area which the Steelers had some success against the Broncos last season.  Isaac Redman went over 100 Yards on the ground, and with Jonathan Dwyer primed for a solid campaign, plus Rookie speedster Chris Rainey available, the Steelers do have some options to attack a run Defense which ranked 22nd against the run last year and is missing D.J. Williams and Brian Dawkins.  If the Steelers do decide to go in this direction, I cannot wait to see if the upgrade of Wolfe will help the Broncos, and it should serve to be a nice matchup to watch.  But if Wolfe and the rest of Denver’s interior Defensive Line are able to do their jobs’, the Steelers will be forced to go to the air.  This is where it will get tricky for Big Ben & the Offensive Line, and the onus will be on protecting #7 and keeping his jersey clean more often than not.  If the Steelers do go to the air, there are a few, with an emphasis on few, ways in which this Line can be set up not quite behind the proverbial “8 Ball,” and hopefully circumvent the continued onslaught of Denver’s pass rushers.

Chances Are Few, But Do Exist For Success Through Air

While I already discussed some matchup issues the Steelers can create with their pass catchers between the numbers earlier in the week, the Steelers can also look to hurt the Broncos and help their Offensive Line by going to a No-Huddle and/or fast-paced attack.  While Big Ben is not necessarily a “surgeon” out on the field like an Aaron Rodgers or a Drew Brees, he is more than capable of, and has achieved a large amount of success running, and calling plays out of a No-Huddle scheme (Steelers Win vs. Patriots comes to mind from 2011).

As I alluded to in my last post, New England destroyed Denver through the air in their Divisional Playoff meeting last season, and held Dumervil and Miller to 0 Sacks combined during the entire game.  To their credit, Bill O’Brien and Josh McDaniels had Brady spread the field and look quickly to his pass catchers out of the Shotgun formation.  Brady recognized the issues Denver had in the middle of the field and picked apart Denver’s Defense effectively and efficiently, and most importantly: got the ball out of Brady’s hands before he could be drilled.  In fact, in both meetings between the two teams last season, Brady was only Sacked a total of 3 times.  Thus, if “Boss Todd” Haley wants to keep these speedsters out of Big Ben’s face when he is asked to throw, he would be at least wise to consider calling plays which have Ben getting rid of the ball quickly.  Plus, if anything can tire out and dishearten an overzealous pass-rush, it is a game plan which allows the Quarterback to dink-and-dunk down the field and avoid contact, and some Backs or Ends to chip the outside rushers as well.

The other way in which the Steelers’ make-shift Offensive Line can be helped against Denver’s pass-rush will be an effective mix of screens and draws to keep them off balance.  If Denver’s Defense and pass-rush are (and will) getting up-field and completely selling out in their attempts to get to Roethlisberger, especially on early downs, the Steelers can use that to their advantage.  Pass protection does not need to be of the greatest variety when the screen game is employed, and all Ben must do is a) hope he gets the ball over/around the oncoming traffic, and b) not get absolutely walloped after he gets rid of the ball.  While I have been a tad harsh towards the Steelers’ Offensive Linemen and their faults’ in this post, one thing which this group can do well, like Pouncey and Colon, is get to the second level and work in the screen game effectively.  With Denver’s Linebackers being on the small side, if the Steelers can execute a well-timed screen to a Back like Redman or Dwyer with Pouncey or Colon leading the way, advantage will go to the Steelers in said situation.  Or if Rainey gets any sort of open-space or lane, he has shown the ability that he can go for 6 points any time he touches the ball.

Keeping Denver off-balance and frustrated will be key for this unit to succeed and protect Ben when he has to throw.  5 and 7 step drops must be used with caution as any extra time that Denver has to get to Roethlisberger will be used against him.  The Steelers will not be able to keep the Broncos at bay the entire game, and to win in today’s N.F.L. requires throwing the football and doing so in an efficient manner.  My ultimate hope is that Haley can construct a game-plan which highlights this group’s strengths and can mask a few of their weaknesses, something the previous Coordinator appeared to not do during his five year stint.

Final Thoughts

As the title states, it will be a “tall order” for Pittsburgh’s Offensive Line this weekend.  Like it or not Steelers fans, but this is the most crucial matchup facing the Steelers’ this weekend.  Peyton Manning is under Center for the Broncos, and with Peyton Manning come points, and with points come pressure on this Offense to either match Denver blow for blow, or sustain long and clock eating drives to keep “Captain Fivehead” on the sidelines.

The Broncos’ Defense will want to come in with a “blood in the water” mentality.  They will to feed off of their home crowd and attack Big Ben every chance they get to accumulate Sacks and force Turnovers galore like they did back in January.  On paper, and on the field, the advantage arrow will point in the Broncos’ direction each and every time Roethlisberger will look down the field, arm cocked, and ready to fire.  It will thus be up to Starks, Colon, Pouncey, Foster, Gilbert, and hopefully some Backs or Ends chipping to make sure that white #7 jersey can avoid some massive grass stains.

Will the Line and Haley’s play-calling help them come through?  I have no idea.  What I do know is that the Offensive Line is without question the Steelers’ (possibly only) weak link on the Offensive side of the ball.  I will cross my fingers and hope for their success, but all we can do is wait, hope, and wish that all goes well on Sunday evening.

Stats Courtesy of: Pro Football Reference.com

Starks however is not the only experienced backup which the Steelers currently have on their roster heading into Training Camp at the end of the month.  In fact, for the first time in over a decade, the Steelers actually have some experienced and versatile backup players which they can turn to at multiple positions in the trenches.  And on a positional unit which has been beset by injuries in recent years, experienced depth definitely qualifies as a valued plus as the team prepares for the 2012 season.

Max Starks (Tackle)

Not much more needs to be said about Max Starks outside of what I discussed in the previous post which I alluded to in the opening paragraphs.  If you would like even more positive thoughts on the matter, then check out Craig’s post from last night as well as he delves into Starks’ recent signing.

Thus, all I will say on Pittsburgh’s recent signing of Starks is this:  While he might not be the 2008 version of himself agility wise, Starks is still a valued backup at either Tackle spot for this team, and an enormous upgrade over the sieve-like Jonathan Scott.  There is hardly a substitute for a backup Tackle which has started 79 games over his career, started and played effectively at both Tackle spots on two Super Bowl winning teams, and can provide veteran leadership.  As long as Starks’ knee and body as a whole can hold up over the course of the season, this is a solid investment made by the franchise for 2012.

Leggo will be the backup Center in 2012. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

Doug Legursky (Center/Guard)

Having risen from the Practice Squad, to earning a backup job on the game-day roster, to spot-starting Guard and Center over the last few seasons, Doug Legursky has emerged as a solid role player for the Steelers along their Offensive Line.  And as the Steelers’ most versatile Interior backup, Legursky has seen quite a bit of action and gained a wealth of experience due to injuries and inconsistent play since 2009.

At Guard, Legursky has stepped in at both the Left and Right Guard positions over the last couple of seasons.  Whether it was him stepping in for injured players, beating out Chris Scott and Tony Hills on the depth chart, or replacing an inconsistent Chris Kemoeatu late last year, Legursky has been able to work his way onto the field.  As for his stints as the Center, because Maurkice Pouncey dinged up at times over the last couple of years (including Super Bowl XLV), the short yet gritty Legursky has been pressed into duty and done an adequate enough job to solidify his place as the permanent backup at the position.

Overall, the former UDFA out of Marshall has played in a total of 35 games, started 14 overall, and started a career high 10 in 2011 alone.  Even though it now appears that Rookie David DeCastro will be manning the Right Guard spot on a permanent basis, Legursky will nevertheless be an instrumental cog in Pittsburgh’s Offensive Line plans this season if injuries beset the Interior of the Steelers’ Offensive Line.

Ramon Foster (Guard)

Foster will be a nice backup option for Pittsburgh to have this season. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Foster took a similar path to Legursky in terms of how he rose up the depth chart and assumed a starting role.  Undrafted as a Tackle out of the University of Tennessee in 2009, Foster climbed from the Practice Squad into the starting lineup during his Rookie season, beat out 3rd Round bust Kraig Urbik, and has earned a number of starts and playing time ever since.

Beginning in 2009, Foster has slowly accumulated a wealth of starts and experience for the Steelers over said span.  After starting 4 games during his Rookie season, Foster started 8 during the Steelers 2010 A.F.C. Championship campaign, and a career-high total of 14 last year.  In addition to his 26 starts, Foster has shown some versatility and logged time at both the Left and Right Guard positions, including finishing out 2011 as the starting Right Guard.  Yet in spite of Foster’s experience and continued development, he will likely not enter Training Camp with the 1st Team on the depth chart.

Because of Willie Colon’s move to Left Guard and the selection of DeCastro in Round 1 of this April’s Draft, Foster is likely to be Pittsburgh’s “Third Guard” in 2012.  Nevertheless, the veteran and experienced Foster will likely be the best backup option at either Guard spot, and will be counted on to step up and contribute if the scenario presents itself.

Final Thoughts

Offensive Line Coach Sean Kugler must be as giddy as any Steelers Coach, Player, or Fan as the 2012 season draws near.  Pouncey and Gilbert are already in place, then when you factor in the possibility of Colon being healthy and DeCastro and Adams playing up to par, and a recipe for success for the Steelers’ Offensive Line is in the making for years to come.

But almost as important as the collective talent of the starting five along the Offensive Line is the experience and overall effectiveness of their backups.  With Starks, Legursky, and Foster, the Steelers should have at least some comfort in knowing that if something happens to deviate the team from their original plans regarding the Offensive Line this season, a capable backup can step in and help.  Thus, the Steelers should thus count themselves lucky to have backups like Foster, Legursky, and most of all Starks at their disposal in 2012.  Not many teams can turn to their 2nd Team Offensive Line and have players with the type of experience those three have obtained over the years, and for insurance purposes they are a solid backup trio for the Steelers to have on their roster.

Statistics Courtesy of: ESPN.com and Pro Football Reference

Now it’s your turn readers:  Will the projected starting five play up to a high standard this season?  Will injuries hurt this unit once again?  Will the depth be good enough to get this team deep into the postseason?

For all your Steelers news and discussions follow us on Twitter @nicepickcowherC, follow me on Twitter @DominicDiTolla, and like us on Facebook.

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.

For all your Steelers news and discussions follow us on Twitter @nicepickcowherC, follow me on Twitter @DominicDiTolla, and like us on Facebook.

DeCastro (Left) and Adams (Right) will be counted on to do a lot for this team this season. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

1. David DeCastro

How or why the top rated Offensive Guard in The 2012 N.F.L. Draft fell to the Steelers at #24, I will never know.  Still, I am not going to complain, because Offensive Guard was one of the Steelers’ biggest needs, and had been since Alan Faneca left town when the 2007 season ended.  The expectations will be high for DeCastro, and the starting Right Guard spot will be his to lose.  Yet I feel like the Rookie from Stanford will answer the bell, and instantly upgrade Pittsburgh’s Offensive Line.  DeCastro was an absolute monster at Stanford who has the ability to dominate in the running game, can pull and trap well, hold his own extremely well in pass-protection, and even has room to add onto his ridiculously big frame (6’5″ 316 lbs.).  DeCastro started 39 games over the course of his collegiate career at Stanford, and his extended experience as a Lineman in a Pro Style Offense which had a firm dedication (as well as a great deal of success) to the Run Game should not be overlooked as well.  The former Cardinal was given future Hall of Famer Alan Faneca’s number #66 and will be counted on to be the rock at Right Guard for at least a decade.

2. Heath Miller

I am sure many of you readers are saying, “Heath Miller?  He made the Pro Bowl in 2009.  Why is he on this list?  How did he make a list of breakout players?”  Well, I put Heath on this list because I see him as possibly enjoying a career year with the Steelers as he enters his 8th season with the team.  Hopefully, new Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley will use Miller (2011: 51 Catches, 631 Yards, 2 TD’s) in the role Ken Whisenhunt used him in during his first two seasons, and like Haley used Tony Moeaki in Kansas City during the 2010 season: a prime Red Zone target.  If this is indeed the case, Miller could enjoy games like he did against the Patriots last season, except on multiple occasions in 2012.  Over his first three seasons combined, Miller amassed 21 Touchdown receptions and was one of Big Ben’s most reliable Red Zone targets.

I will admit, with the emergence of Santonio Holmes, Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, and the other Wide Receivers, Miller’s targets have gone down over the last couple seasons in scoring situations, as well they should.  Still, the fact that a 6’5” 265 lb. mammoth of a man that can run with Safeties and has the best hands on the team should not be catching only 2 TD’s per season (4 over the last two).  Because of the explosiveness of Wallace and Brown, Miller will likely be singled up or an afterthought when teams key on those two.  Pittsburgh needs to make these teams pay, and Miller could be a huge benefactor.

3. Isaac Redman

With Rashard Mendenhall sidelined for likely the first half of the season, and almost zero experienced depth behind him, Isaac Redman will get his opportunity to put a stranglehold on the “RB1” position.  Redman set career highs in Rushing Yards (479), Carries (110), and Rushing Touchdowns (3) last season, and should be one of the hungriest players on the team to carry over some positive momentum from 2011 into 2012.  Much like Fast Willie Parker, Redman is a former Undrafted Free Agent.  And much like Fast Willie, Isaac earned his way onto this roster due to grit, hard work, and developed his skills on the Practice Squad for an extended period.  Granted, I see Chris Rainey as the team’s eventual 3rd Down Back, and he will likely force Redman off the field in those situations this season because of his explosive and pass-catching skill-set.  Yet as I stated before, Redman finally has his chance, and for a determined Undrafted Free Agent like him, any open window to shine will be met with 100% effort, and a white-knuckle grip on the job with a “take on all comers” attitude.

4. Emmanuel Sanders and/or Jerricho Cotchery

Cotchery, now healthy, might be a pleasant surprise for the Steelers this season. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

I know this is cheating a little bit, because the title reads “5 Steelers,” yet the player which will have a breakout season will be the winner of the battle between Emmanuel Sanders and Jerricho Cotchery for The #3 Wide Receiver slot.  I’ve stated it many times, but Heath Miller and the slot WR’s this season could enjoy enormous seasons due to the attention which opposing Defenses must pay to Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown respectively.  The middle of the field will likely be open because of both speedsters outside the numbers, and the Steelers can eat Secondaries alive with mismatches on the inside.

Sanders (2011: 22 Catches, 288 Yards, 2 TD’s) and Cotchery (2011: 16 Catches, 237 Yards, 2 TD’s) are both intelligent and savvy route-runners, both have solid athletic ability, and most importantly, both have reliable hands.  The only big issue with these two players will be their collective healths, because both were dinged up last season and only late in the year appeared to contribute on a regular basis.  If you can remember back to 2010, Sanders emerged as a steady target for Big Ben as the season progressed, and health permitting, he could resume that role in 2012.  If not, the veteran Cotchery can fill in and do an adequate job and pick up those tough 1st Downs to keep drives alive.  Plus, with a full offseason to learn the new Offense and work with Ben under his belt, Cotchery could revert back to his successful ways in the slot like when he was with the Jets.

5. Mike Adams

The second Willie Colon came public with the news that he was moving to Left Guard, two thoughts crossed my mind: 1. Yahoo!  Colon is moving to his more natural position.  2. It is now time to see massive (6’7″ 323 lbs.) Rookie Mike Adams in action.  Adams will definitely have his plate full because it is not common for many Rookies to start at Left Tackle for a contending team in Week 1 of the season.  Still, the Steelers must have supreme confidence in Adams and the hope that he cleaned up his act off the field, because he will likely be answering the bell Week 1 now.

In terms of pure talent and athletic ability, only Matt Kalil of Southern California in my opinion was a better Left Tackle prospect than Adams in this past April’s Draft.  Adams had a good deal of experience at Left Tackle at the college level (23 starts), and most importantly could have a chip on his shoulder for the rest of his career due to where he was drafted.  If Adams is motivated enough to play for his hometown team and prove all his doubters and detractors wrong, look out, because the Steelers might have found a blind-side protector for Ben.

Well Steelers fans, this is my list.  Now it’s your turn: Let me know which Offensive players you think will be ready to contribute in a big way next season.  Do you think I’m right with some of these players?  Or are there others I might have overlooked?  Give me a heads up, and tell me why.

Statistics Courtesy of Steelers Team Page on ESPN.com

DeCastro & Adams Heights & Weights Courtesy of Team Roster on Steelers.com

For all your Steelers news and discussions follow us on Twitter @nicepickcowherC, follow me on Twitter @DominicDiTolla, and like us on Facebook.