When the Steelers drafted Maurkice Pouncey with their first overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft they began a complete overhaul that has culminated in what, on paper, is the best offensive line the Steelers have had in quite a while. After drafting Pouncey in 2010 they drafted one of his Florida teammates, Marcus Gilbert, in the second round of the 2011 draft. Last month they added David DeCastro and Mike Adams in the first two rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Pouncey stepped in day one as the Steelers starting center as a rookie and has been named an All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons. Marcus Gilbert was thrown into the fire earlier than expected when Willie Colon went down with a season ending injury in week one.
In 2012 the Steelers could have two more rookie starters on the offensive line. DeCastro is almost a lock to be starting at right guard in week one and according to reports out of Pittsburgh Mike Adams will be given a chance to start the season at left tackle. If Adams plays well during camp the spot is his, but if the Steelers have any concerns they can always look to Max Starks who played well for them last year after being re-signed during the season.
Going into the 2012 season the Steelers line could look like this: Adams-Colon-Pouncey-DeCastro-Gilbert. Willie Colon, who will be moving from right tackle to left guard in 2012, is the eldest of the group at 29. For the first time in a long time the Steelers have a lot of talent, youth, and potential on their offensive line. If things pan out right the Steelers could have one of the best offensive lines in football in a couple of years.
