Lost in the joy of Tomlin resigning was OL coach Pat Meyer moving on to Buffalo (Tomlin was such an unbelievably bad picker of coach flesh). The OL hasn’t been a smooth-running operation since Mike Munchak was running the show.
Defacto GM Andy Weidl did his damndest to infuse the line with some talent after Kevin Colbert did his damndest to leave the cupboard bare, but the end result has been questionable at best.
I suppose Weidl’s boy Issac Seumalo COULD be brought back creating less of a void at LG, but I’d prefer an upgrade there.
Speaking of upgrade, LT feels like a kinda important position. Dylan Cook looked solid in the few weeks he started there after ‘ol Broderick jacked up his neck. I’d feel better if I knew Cook was the long term answer rather than a flash in the pan. I already know Broderick is a bust, but hey maybe the two years of couch time was of benefit for new OL guru James Campen. Miracles can happen. I saw the movie.
Zach Frazier held up at Center. Not so sure about McCormick and Fautanu.
Upgrades can be had at multiple positions.
Let’s see what’s out there.
Free Agent Offensive Tackles (Teams don’t let go of the good ones)
• Rasheed Walker- He of the Packers seems to be the only fish in the LT pond with sportrac projecting his market value at $20 mil per. Read a blurb that the Browns are looking at ‘Sheed to start their Oline rebuild.
• Braden Smith- I suppose if new OL guru James Campen wants to reshuffle Pat Meyer’s jumbled deck, he could move Fautanu back to his college LT position.
• Braxton Jones- Has some mixed bag starting experience with the Bears.
• Jermaine Eluemanor- Giants RT holds his own in pass protection but is hardly worth big FA dollars.
• Fred Johnson- Former Steeler filled in admirably for oft injured Lane Johnson with the Eagles.
Trade Target/Release Candidates
• Jaiwan Taylor- Overpriced RT of the Chiefs famous for his stance WAY off the line of scrimmage.
• Austin Jackson- Dolphins looking to cut bait with half their team
• Orlando Brown- Joe Burrow sick of getting his ass kicked every week
• Dawand Jones- Big Buckeye impressed as a rookie but is having trouble staying on the field
• Tytus Howard- Former 1st rd pick of the Texans yet to find a permanent home on their line
• Walker Little – Swing tackle for the Jags could serve similar role with your Steelers.
Draft Candidates:
• Francis Mauigoa Miami- “Any of you homos…touch me…I’ll kill ya.” Lighten up Francis indeed. Potential top 5 pick.
• Spencer Fano Utah- Versatile Ute capable of playing either tackle spot
• Caleb Lonu Utah- Two year starter at LT needs to eat a sandwich.
• Max Iheanachor- Don’t sleep on this stud Sun Devil.
• Kayden Proctor Roll Tide- Massive human with some surprising athleticism. Used in a variety of gimmicky plays by crappy ass Kalen.
• Monroe Freeling ‘Dawgs- Dancing bear type at LT. I get it if you have Broderick Jones PTSD but I think Freeling here can play.
• Blake Miller Clemson- STFU Dabo! Again, if fresh off the couch James Campen moves Troy Fautanu over to LT then at RT prospect such as this Miller fella comes into play.
• Dametrious Crownover Aggie- Anxiously awaiting Ron approval on this massive “Maroon Goon”
• Caleb Tiernan Northwestern- Versatile ‘Cat capable of playing multiple OL positions
• Austin Barber Gator- “No that’s Bab-bar.” “Two B’s…” Fletch F. Fletch. Never gets old.
• Markell Bell Miami- Can’t teach 6’9 but I can’t get the image of him getting run over by scUM edge Derrick Moore down in Mobile.
• Drew Shelton Happy Valley- Placate pick for the Penn Staters gathered dahntahn for the draft.
Interior OL (Could be a big hole at LG):
Free Agents:
• Wyatt Teller- “Sherrif, have you met Doc Holiday?” “Piss on you, Wyatt.” Now, now ‘ol Wyatt might be a Stain, but would be a quality OG option if the price is right.
• Tyler Linderbaum- Would love for the Rats to take a hit here, but unless fresh off the couch James Campen gets a burr up his ass to move Frazier to guard I just don’t see the fit.
• Connor McGovern- Capable of playing guard, but he’ll get paid to be a center. Bills can’t let anyone of importance get away.
• Cade Mayes- His dad tried suing UGA over a folding chair. What a toolbox.
• Joel Bitonio- Another Brownie is probably nothing more than a stopgap at this stage of his career.
• Issac Seumalo- I’m at a familiarity breed contempt phase of life with my once beloved Steelers.
• Ethan Pocic- And yet another Brownie. Too bad the Steelers appear set at center.
• Alijah Vera-Tucker- One last name will do ya. Hopefully this oft injured Jet is not an Aaron Rodgers buddy.
• Luke Fortner- Another versatile center that could slide over to a guard spot.
• John Simpson- STFU Dabo! Powerful run blocking type of OG.
• James Daniels- Could bring this dude back I guess if he fits whatever blocking scheme the fresh off the couch James Campen decides to run.
• Brady Christensen- Former B2B favorite offers position versatility.
Trade or Release Candidates (Slim pickins) :
• Elgton Jenkins- Possible Rodgers buddy is a two time Pro Bowl LG. Rumored to be on chopping block. Offers position flexibility when healthy.
• Mechi Becton- “…I believe that says ‘fragile’, dear.” BIG tease. Misses (way) more games than he plays.
Draft (looks like a solid group)
• Olaivavega Ioane Penn Stater- Once upon a time my Great Uncle Bob gifted my cousin the UGLIEST shit brown Vega you’ve ever seen in your life. Made more noise than a busted chainsaw. Still, I thought it was wicked cool driving to school as a Freshman instead of riding the bus. Could be BPA if he falls to pick 21.
• Chase Bisonitis “Maroon Goon” is getting 1st round buzz. Plug and play OG.
• Emmanuel Pregnon Ducks- Run blocker extraordinaire. Fringe Rd 1 OG.
• Jaylen Farmer Kentucky- Best Wildcat OL since Dirt Dawson. Well, kid’s a fast riser anyway.
• Keylan Rutledge Sting ‘em- MEAN hombe from down on the Flats.
• Gennings Dunker Iowa- Steelers’ scouts had a Hawkeye hard-on last season. Hoping he goes to Charles’ Lions to pair with fellow mullet, Tate Ratledge.
• Sam Hecht KST- Buzzy name but at under 3 bills looks like he’s center only
• Kage Casey Boise St- More than just a cool name. Offers position versatility too.
• Brian Parker Duke- Think Graham Barton. Dukie LT moving to center
• Beau Stephens Iowa- Those damn lazy Steelers’ scouts.
• Connor Lew Auburn- Center only prospect, but stranger things have happened.
• Jeremiah Wright Auburn- Big ‘sum bitch that you ain’t movin.
• Trey Zuhn Aggie- Another “Maroon Goon” I feel like I’ve been mocking for years.
• JC Davis Illini- BIG ‘sum bitch a LT convert to OG.
• Jake Slaughter Gator-Great name for a lineman.
• Matt Gulbin Sparty- Literally has played every position on the O-line.
Thanks as always for reading. Please comment on the linemen you like and those you don’t. Yes could be a big hole at LG, but upgrades are needed across the line particularly on the left side. Hopefully this James Campen fella isn’t a round hole/square peg type like his predecessor.
