by Ryan Lang
Photo courtesy of A to Z Sports.
Following the 2022 season, one of the biggest questions was if the Steelers would be able to improve the offensive line. This position group lacked talent, consistency and depth for most of the season last year. Their play did improve as the year went on but the lack of talent was still apparent. Omar Khan spent the Steelers' cap space retooling this offensive line in his first offseason as the Steelers' GM in the hopes of a better result in 2023.
Left Tackles:
Dan Moore Jr. - 6’5” 315 lbs.
Moore Jr. was drafted in the 4th round of the 2021 draft out of Texas A&M by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The battle at left tackle is something to keep a close eye on for the rest of this camp and preseason. The initial depth chart for the 2023 season showed Dan Moore Jr. as the starter. Moore possesses the experience and has outperformed rookie Broderick Jones so far in camp. While it's still early, it'll be interesting to see who earns that spot by week 1.
Broderick Jones - 6’5” 311 lbs.
Jones was the Steelers' first round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Jones was one of the top tackles in the country at Georgia and impressed the Steelers enough to pull the trigger and trade up 3 picks to select him. However, Jones hasn’t really separated himself from Moore Jr. so far this summer. It'll be interesting to see if he earns that starting spot by the beginning of the season or if he will back up Moore. At some point in 2023, Jones should become the starter.
Left Guards:
Isaac Seumalo - 6’4” 303 lbs.
The Steelers picked up Isaac Seumalo this offseason after an amazing season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Seumalo was a part of the best offensive line in all of the NFL last year and became a pro-bowl alternate. He’s had injury problems in the past but if he can stay healthy he will become the anchor of the Steelers' offensive line.
Kevin Dotson - 6’4” 321 lbs.
Dotson was drafted in the 4th round of the 2020 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers and has had a rocky start to his career. Things didn't get any easier for him as he watched the Steelers bring in his replacement this offseason. Following this move, it is highly unlikely that Dotson sees the field that much this year outside of preseason. He is currently listed as the backup at left guard and barring any injuries, he should stay there for the entire 2023 season.
Centers:
Mason Cole - 6’5” 298 lbs.
Mason Cole was drafted back in 2018 by the Arizona Cardinals in the 3rd round of the NFL Draft. He spent his first 3 seasons there and then spent a season with the Vikings before signing a three-year deal with the Steelers in March of 2022. In his first season with the Steelers, he was above average and battled through some injuries but still managed to start all 17 games. Cole is a key piece to the success of the offense as the Steelers are woefully shallow at the position, and if he is injured for any length of time, the team may have some issues finding his replacement. If he can perform well again, the offensive line should be much improved.
Kendrick Green - 6’4” 315 lbs.
Green was drafted 87th overall by the Steelers in the 2021 NFL Draft. Similar to Dotson, he lost his starting job and is listed as the backup center. However, he has been getting time as a fullback and may get some spot work there in certain offensive packages like short yardage and goal line duties. It is very unlikely that we see Green play any center again for Pittsburgh, as Craig Wolfley once famously said of Green, “His strength is his weakness.”
Ryan McCollum- 6’5” 300 lbs.
McCollum has a real shot of being the backup center with Kendrick Green’s potential position change. He has seen action in NFL games with the Detroit Lions in 2021, and after spending 2022 on the Steelers practice squad, he may be the best backup option to Mason Cole.
Spencer Anderson - 6’5” 305 lbs.
Anderson was drafted out of Maryland in the 7th round out of this year's NFL draft. Anderson shines in pass blocking and had a 86.6 pass blocking grade in college, which was the best in the Big Ten last season. His versatility on the line will be a nice depth piece in 2023 for Pittsburgh.
Right Guards:
James Daniels - 6’4” 327 lbs.
Daniels was drafted back in 2018 in the second round by the Chicago Bears. After a few years in Chicago, he signed a three year deal with the Steelers. Daniels played well last year, starting off a bit rocky but improving by season’s end. If he can stay on that track in 2023, the offensive line won’t be a weak-point anymore. Daniels brings versatility and a little bit of experience to an offensive line that has lacked stability.
Nate Herbig - 6’4” 334 lbs.
Herbig is one of the newest additions to the offensive line and joined the Steelers this offseason on a two year deal. Herbig spent last year with the Jets and started 11 games. Herbig’s signing gives this offensive line some of its best depth in years. The Steelers have a serviceable backup with spot starter potential in him.
William Dunkle - 6’5” 330 lbs.
Dunkle was an undrafted free agent out of San Diego State before the Steelers picked him up in August of 2022. He was on the practice squad last season and will likely be there this year too. He is the 3rd string RG right now and it seems extremely unlikely that will change anytime soon.
Right Tackles:
Chukwuma Okorafor - 6’6” 320 lbs.
Okorafor was drafted by the Steelers in the 2018 NFL Draft in the 3rd round. He signed a 3-year contract in 2022. He played very well last year and had arguably his best season of his career. He has had penalty issues and has shown a lack of drive and physicality, all of which need to improve coming into the prime of his career. Okorafor should be the starting RT for this season unless the Steelers try to bump Moore Jr. over once Broderick Jones is ready to start.
Le’Raven Clark - 6’5” 311 lbs.
Clark was drafted back in 2016 in the 3rd round by the Indianapolis Colts. He is the only offensive lineman in his 30’s so at the very least, he brings experience to this young line. After being on the Titans' practice squad last season, he signed a one-year deal in March with the Steelers. Clark could be a very important depth guy this season with his ability to play OT or G.
Dylan Cook - 6’6” 305 lbs.
Cook was signed as an undrafted free agent last year by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He spent all of last year with the Bucs on the practice squad and signed a future contract to stay with them in January. However he was eventually waived and the Steelers picked him up shortly after. Cook will very likely spend this season on the practice squad as well as he is comfortably listed as RT #3.
Draft 412 Analysis - This position group has many pundits curious because of their struggles in recent years, and at the same time, for its potential for growth. On paper, they look like they are the most improved position group on the team. The line is filled with young raw talent, such as Broderick Jones, as well as proven veterans like Isaac Seumalo. If this group can gel quickly, the offense may see a significant jump in 2023.