The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line has had their backs against the wall in 2013 as Roethlisberger is on pace to be sacked a career high 60 times this season. Changes will definitely be made in the offseason for the Steelers, but change may come in a different way.
Since 2010, The Steelers have selected four offensive linemen in the first two rounds of the NFL draft who haven’t lived up to expectations. Other than Maurkice Pouncey who in his rookie campaign, started all 16 games, has been the only offensive linemen selected to the Pro Bowl.
Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jonathan Martin will miss the remainder of the season as he feels he can’t return to the team. Martin was a two time all American at the University of Stanford where he played alongside, David Decastro. The Steelers have struggled mightily at the tackle position, where Jonathan Martin has started all 23 games in his short career with the Dolphins.
Coach Mike Tomlin loves project players.
Michael Vick: Had Mike Tomlin gotten his wish back in 2009, Michael Vick would be a Pittsburgh Steeler. The Steelers or Tomlin were one of the teams originally interested in signing Michael Vick. However, the Rooney’s quickly nixed that deal stopping Tomlin from signing Vick. Other than the laundry list of reasons not to sign Vick. The biggest reason being that the Steelers didn’t want a convicted felon who would bring with him intense negative media attention. Additionally, Roethlisberger had just been in the headlines for sexual assault allegations. There’s no way the Steelers could bring in another legal risk at the quarterback position.
Terrelle Pryor: Pryor went to high school in Jeannette, PA, was one of five Ohio State players suspended back in December of 2010 for the first five games of the 2011 season for selling championship rings, jerseys and awards. In June of 2011, Pryor decided to enter the supplemental draft instead of continuing his career at Ohio State. The Pittsburgh Steelers have never drafted a player in the supplemental draft, but Terrelle Pryor very likely could have been the first in 2011 as Tomlin was very interested in drafting, Pryor. Tomlin to Pryor, ” Hey, I’ll draft you if you want to play here.” In the end, the Raiders drafted Pryor in the 3rd round of the supplemental draft.
Mike Adams: Mike Adams was one of the five Ohio State players in 2010 along with Pryor to be suspended in the “Tattoo U” scandal. In addition, Adams tested positive for drug use at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine. The Pittsburgh Steelers initially removed Adams from their draft board. However, a Determined Adams personally met with head coach Mike Tomlin, general manager Kevin Colbert, and team owner Art Rooney II vowing that he would rectify his mistake. Mike Adams was selected in the second round (pick 56) of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, a historically strict franchise are also known for giving players second chances. That being said, Richie Incognito, a pro bowl offensive linemen will also be looking for a job in 2014. Who would you rather want as a teammate, Martin or Incognito?
