Pittsburgh Steelers "The possibilities at OT: NFL Draft 2008"

The bottom line for the Pittsburgh Steelers is simple: Their offensive tackles were highly inconsistent throughout the course of the 2007-08 season. Further, there were injuries as well. So, even with the possibility of offensive guard Alan Faneca going elsewhere, one has to figure that a 43 Polamalu black jersey
first-round tackle will be the way to go in April's draft.The question: Which one?First, let's eliminate. Jake Long, the Michigan Wolverines' 6-foot-7, 305-pound tackle, will simply not be around when Pittsburgh selects in Round 1. The same can be said of Ryan Clady, a highly athletic tackle from Boise State.That leaves Jeff Otah, Sam Baker, Chris Williams, Gosder Cherilus and Carl Nicks. Otah (Pitt): At 6-6 and 340 pounds, Otah has excellent size for the position. He runs the 40-yard dash in 5.35 seconds, which isn't bad at all for someone that big. Otah is a very big, powerful and aggressive player who has all the tools to play either tackle position. Weaknesses can be found in his technique, such as hand use and the fact that sometimes he comes out of his stance too high. Of course, the fact that he didn't play football until his final year of high school is the likely reason for the technique flaws. Otah simply has a huge upside. Because of this upside, it is possible that he could very well be gone by the time the Steelers choose in the first round, unless they move up.Baker (USC): Though he lacks ideal size (6-5, 305) and will need to bulk up, Baker (5.15 in the 40) demonstrates great quickness, agility, and technique, and he was an excellent pass blocker at USC. Weaknesses: Size and perhaps even toughness and power. Additionally, his run blocking has been questioned.Williams (Vanderbilt): The 6-6, 320-pound Williams is durable, very athletic and a leader. Further, his pass blocking at Vandy was simply outstanding. Weaknesses: Power and aggressiveness. He projects best as a left tackle in the pros.Cherilus (Boston College): The 6-7, 318-pound Cherilus is big, powerful, and gets a great push on running assignments. Moreover, he's smart; and once he locks on, it's over. That said, his pass blocking with speed rushers has been questioned, as has his athleticism. Many scouts believe that he will play right tackle in the NFL. Nicks (Nebraska): Nicks (6-5, 330) is a powerhouse who displays excellent athleticism and aggressiveness. However, he doesn't have a ton of experience and sometimes displays technique issues as a result. Some have even questioned his motor. But Nicks seems to have a terrific upside, making him a big-time sleeper in this draft.Clearly, Pittsburgh needs a tackle who can protect the quarterback. After all, that was a major problem with respect to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger all last season. 4 Brett Favre White jersey
Still, in order to play in Pittsburgh, one must be able to run block as well. Certainly, the Steelers could use a guy with the versatility to play either tackle position, though that isn't necessarily a must.The player whom the Steelers would probably love most is Otah. He seems to be just what the doctor ordered, and could be a potential Pro Bowler. Baker can play in the pros but will probably be average and will have some difficulty run blocking at the next level; Williams will be an outstanding pass blocker but may be somewhat limited as a run blocker as well. Cherilus will be a strong mainstay at right tackle and could be a guy to watch for that position only, and people should be looking a tad more at Nicks.