Steelers have added competition, position flexibility in attempt to improve their offensive line

By Dale Grdnic

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line has been a point of contention for several years now, as franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been knocked down more than nearly every other signal-caller in the NFL.

The Steelers running game also has not been rated among the league's best in several years as well, and improving that area is nearly as important as keeping Roethlisberger upright.

In an attempt to improve their offensive line quality and depth, the Steelers have selected several O-linemen in the NFL Draft in recent years, including the No. 1 spot this year. And Maurkice Pouncy, the 18th overall pick last week, should compete for the starting right guard spot as a rookie.

"He's that good,'' Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert said. "It was pretty evident early on when we started to evaluate this kid. Again, as a junior, we got on with the process late with him.

"It was evident early on that this was someone who was going to be interesting to us, where we were going to be picking. And really, there was no pre-determined position, anything like that. It was just that he was that good.''

The Steelers also drafted Chris Scott from Tennessee, a tackle in college who also will play guard in the NFL. The club brought in fourth-year tackle Jonathan Scott during free agency and signed three undrafted rookies as well: guard Dorian Brooks from James Madison, tackle Kyle Jolly from North Carolina and center-guard A.J. Trump from Miami, Fla.

"(Chris Scott) is a physical player,'' Steelers offensive line coach Sean Kugler said. We feel he's got some position flexibility. We feel he's the type that could play guard for us as well, which is real important. And he played at a high level of competition each week in the SEC and did a nice job versus those guys.

"(And) I think Jonathan's role will be very similar to what it was in Buffalo. He started some games at left tackle. He also started some games at right tackle. He had the same history when he was in Detroit. (So), being able to play both and be efficient at both gives him a good chance (with the Steelers).''

The Steelers return all five starting offensive linemen with Max Starks at left tackle, Chris Kemoeatu at left guard, Justin Hartwig at center, Trai Essex at right guard and Willie Colon at right tackle. Essex took over when Super Bowl starter Darnell Stapleton suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp.

The Steelers also have third-year tackle Tony Hills, second-year center Doug Legursky, second-year tackle Ramon Foster, second-year guard Kraig Urbik and rookie center Bradley Vierling on the roster in backup roles. Kugler addressed the club's offensive line.