253 draft picks have transformed the NFL in a matter of days. Around the League will examine the aftershocks by asking one post-draft burning question for all 32 teams. So far, we've tackled the Jets, Jaguars, Dolphins, Colts, Raiders, Bills, Patriots, Chargers and Browns. Next up: The Pittsburgh Steelers.
Did Pittsburgh solve its offensive line in one draft?
The Steelers' draft reminds us a lot of the New England Patriots'. The Steelers finally were aggressive in trying to solve a longstanding problem. That figures to be very popular with the fan base.
Guard David DeCastro might have been the safest home-run pick in the entire first round. If guards got drafted in the top 10, DeCastro would have gone in the top 10. He fills a huge need as a plug-and-play Week 1 starter, and coach Mike Tomlin said DeCastro could play right guard or left guard. He immediately should be the best guard on the team.
For the first time since 1968, the Steelers drafted back-to-back offensive linemen when Mike Adams fell to them in the second round. Last year's second-round pick, Marcus Gilbert, got a lot of starting experience at right tackle in 2011. It's expected that Gilbert will move to the left side this year, with Willie Colon back from injury on the right side. Suddenly, Pittsburgh has enviable depth at a usually weak position.
Throw in center Maurkice Pouncey, and the beleaguered Steelers line now actually might be a weapon. Ben Roethlisbergerhasn't been the problem in Pittsburgh, and now he'll have a better chance to shine.
"Really, the last three days unfolded very well for us," general manager Kevin Colbert said at the end of the draft. "We got a lot of players we targeted."
With the Baltimore Ravens' pass rush diminished, the Steelers once again look like favorites in the AFC North.
