The Pittsburgh Steelers are most of the way through the first part of the offseasonleading up to the draft. Before we get there, we’re going totake stock of how the roster has evolved over the past several weeks. Position by position, we’ll break down who’s coming and going and what’s next for those rookies and those already here.
Position: Offensive Tackle
Total Positional Figure: 6
Offseason Additions: 1
Offseason Deletions: 2
Players Retained:
Broderick Jones: The Steelers’ 2023 first-round pick, Broderick Jones, was supposed to be the left tackle of the future. It took him three years to even get to the left side, though, and only after their left tackle left in free agency. Jones took his lumps over the years, but he also has a lot of talent. Now, he’s also recovering from a neck injury, which is one of the major stories of their offseason.
Troy Fautanu: After missing his rookie season, the Steelers have watched Troy Fautanu settle in at right tackle. He has a strong case to be their best offensive lineman overall. Playing with great technique and fundamentals is his strength. But he’s not a Pro Bowler, at least not yet, and he looked overmatched at times against elite players. That’s why elite players are elite, though. That doesn’t dim his very bright future.
Dylan Cook: After years toiling away in the shadows, will Dylan Cook have a shot to be the Steelers’ left tackle? That will hinge largely on Broderick Jones’ health. If Jones is healthy, he may have the edge. But the Steelers could easily decide to hold an open competition this summer.
Doug Nester: Nester has been around the Steelers for a bit now, and he can play both guard and tackle. His position flexibility obviously does him some favors, but he is firmly outside the roster bubble.
Jack Driscoll: The Steelers first signed veteran tackle Jack Driscoll to the practice squad in October. A former fourth-round pick, he has 1,448 snaps and 18 starts under his belt. He should be in the mix for a roster spot as the ninth lineman. Perhaps even the swing tackle if Jones’ health proves more complicated.
Players Added:
Lorenzo Thompson: Thus far, Lorenzo Thompson is the Steelers’ only offseason addition at tackle. A 2024 college free agent, he has yet to make his NFL debut. Signed on January 20, before Mike McCarthy was even here, he gets to work with revered OL coach, James Campen.
Players Deleted:
Calvin Anderson: Anderson has served as the Steelers’ swing tackle, yet hasn’t been available when needed. They released him earlier this offseason while he recovers from injury. But his absence eventually led them to Dylan Cook, so his misfortune was another’s gain.
Andrus Peat: Before Cook started at left tackle, the Steelers turned to Andrus Peat following Jones’ injury. A long-time starter, Peat is near the end of his career. But he suffered a concussion, and Cook claimed the spot. Thus far, Peat remains a free agent.
Notes And Draft Outlook:
Brock Hoffman could also play tackle in a pinch, but the Steelers will likely focus him at guard. You can point out that it’s also true for Spencer Anderson, which is why he’s not listed here. But the focus of the position is clearly the uncertainty at left tackle.
Will Broderick Jones be healthy enough to play, and if so, can he live up to his potential? Or somewhere close to it? And if not, could the Steelers rely on Dylan Cook to man the left tackle spot? Even if any of these answers are “Yes”, they still need to strongly consider investing in another tackle in the draft. Maybe not the first round unless the value just smacks them in the face, but Day 2 is very plausible.
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