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Need a Tackle

S

SteelerSask2

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Im not sure how they could go into the season without picking up a Tackle with some game experience. I like Munchak he is a great teacher. When he asseses Okorofor as holding his own. Needing to be able to understand the play in terms of his technique that doesn't exactly give me a lot of confidence. So it would be Feiler as the primary backup to the most important positions on the oline. Im thinking they will have to take a very hard look at the list of the cut. Maybe bring in an old vet and hope he could spot start.
 
I agree. Seems they thought Hawkins was going to be that guy, but he can't stay healthy. I mentioned in another thread they need to start picking up OL higher in the draft soon, or face the same situation as in the late 2000s before picking Pouncey and Decastro. You start getting to the point of drafting for need, and that's never the best way.
 
From what I am reading, time will tell soon enough if Chuks can hold down the position.

Depth Players:

Matt Feiler (OT) — Feiler is a player who actually saw some time on the active game day roster last year during Gilbert’s injuries and suspension. I like what he brings to the team, and he could be a very valuable asset to have with Jerald Hawkins now out of the mix for the backup tackle spot.

B.J. Finney — Finney very well could be the next Cody Wallace, minus the scrum shenanigans, but is extremely valuable in the interior of the offensive line. Finney will undoubtedly make the team, but he also is the only pure interior reserve lineman on the team.

Chukwuma Okorafor — The rookie has the look of an NFL tackle, but can Mike Munchak continue to work his magic with these rough-around-the-edges linemen? Time will tell, but “Chuks” and Feiler will be in a battle for the swing tackle who enters the game as an extra tight end in jumbo packages, as well as the primary backup in case of injury.
Click to expand...
 
Sucks that Hawkins got hurt. He was used a lot last year as the extra tackle/TE eligible at the end of the season and looked ready to make the jump. Too bad his injury happened after the draft, you couldn't plan for that.

Here's a look at the last few starting tackles on the Steelers:

Kelvin Beachum 7th rounder
Villanova Undrafted Rookie FA
Gilbert 2nd round

Hubbard was undrafted and was made into a starter. If we had an issue with Gilbert or Villa, he'd be our starting tackle today.

I think the only other highly drafted T we had was Adams in Rd 2. Hawkins was a 4th rounder. Only 4 tackles drafted since 2011, and Adams was the only failure.

This is kind of the approach that NE takes with their OL. They don't usually draft linemen high. They get players with good work ethic, size, and footwork, and coach them up. It's happening here as well.
 
Cope said:
Sucks that Hawkins got hurt. He was used a lot last year as the extra tackle/TE eligible at the end of the season and looked ready to make the jump. Too bad his injury happened after the draft, you couldn't plan for that.

Here's a look at the last few starting tackles on the Steelers:

Kelvin Beachum 7th rounder
Villanova Undrafted Rookie FA
Gilbert 2nd round

Hubbard was undrafted and was made into a starter. If we had an issue with Gilbert or Villa, he'd be our starting tackle today.

I think the only other highly drafted T we had was Adams in Rd 2. Hawkins was a 4th rounder. Only 4 tackles drafted since 2011, and Adams was the only failure.

This is kind of the approach that NE takes with their OL. They don't usually draft linemen high. They get players with good work ethic, size, and footwork, and coach them up. It's happening here as well.
Click to expand...



Which asks the QUESTION.................. How long will MUNCHeck be here??? I think he turned down a HCing gig interview this past off season. I know there is no guarantee and I safely see Munch here three more years but this line is clicking and much of that is due to Munchack being the OL coach. Yes we need to draft a new bunch of OL but we have pretty deep issues on D as well.





Salute the nation
 
SteelerSask said:
Im not sure how they could go into the season without picking up a Tackle with some game experience. I like Munchak he is a great teacher. When he asseses Okorofor as holding his own. Needing to be able to understand the play in terms of his technique that doesn't exactly give me a lot of confidence. So it would be Feiler as the primary backup to the most important positions on the oline. Im thinking they will have to take a very hard look at the list of the cut. Maybe bring in an old vet and hope he could spot start.
Click to expand...

This is an issue. I did not like the Okorofor pick as he was sub par in workouts, raw, and described as " soft " on flim...in the MAC. We'll see if Munchak can coach him up. Hawkings isn't the answer. Feiler is big and strong, but he slow footed and would need some help if pressed into action at Right Tackle. Likely a Tight End on his side or a back ready to bail him out in some passing sets.
 
It's interesting the Steelers have one of the top rated offensive lines going into 2018. When, in years not too far back, our OL was one of the worst in the league. How the times have changed!
 
I agree about Munchak. All and all I think he is the best football coach on the team. Only one who has turned around a unit that struggled. He has two blue chip talents. Rest were project players. But as good as Mike is he cant polish a turd. This **** talk about Dez Bryant. **** that. He will at best end up being the third best receiver. If they have cash grab an experienced tackle with one last year in the tank. However, if Mike thinks Chuks or Feiler can cut it. Thats good enough for me.
 
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