TOP 5 Tackles, Guards and Centers.
The Steelers have had many quality offensive tackles since the AFL-NFL merger. While we lack a hall of fame player, we have had several make the pro bowl. As such picking five is difficult as there isn't much separation between the players.
Guards and Centers to me are easier as we have had our share of great ones.
Offensive Tackles:
1. Kolb. Kolb was durable and freakishly strong. How strong? He came in 4th twice in the world strongest man competition. Kolb was selected as a 1st or 2nd team all pro by Pro football weekly and UPI from 1974-1979. One of the most underrated Steelers of all time, he protected Terry Bradshaw's blind side.
2 . Ilkin. A durable technician, Iklin wasn't that big, fast or strong. Consistency and technique were hallmarks of his game. He made two pro bowls. I believe he had a season where he allowed zero sacks, which is a rarity for any offensive tackle.
3. Villanueva. A mountain of man, Big Al is a powerhouse run blocker and a competent pass protector. While he has only played three seasons for the Steelers, the last one earned him a pro bowl. Three years from now, he has a chance to rate higher.
4. Larry Brown. A converted Tight End, Brown shined at right tackle for the Steelers. He made the pro bowl in 1982
5. Gilbert. Gilbert is a very good player as a pass blocker and run blocker. I've given him the 5th spot
Honorable mention: Starks, Jackson, Smith, and Searcy all of whom are very even in comparison to each other in my opinion!
Guards: We had two great one, and a few good ones.
1. Faneca Perhaps the best run blocking guard in the history of the NFL, Faneca was a juggernaut like force, capable of pulling and opening holes. A good athlete, he could hold his own at Center or Tackle too. Likely hall of fame bound with nine pro bowls, and 5 all pros attached to his resume.
2. Decastro One of the best guards in the game today, Decastro is for his size is has good balance and atheism. He isn't that strong, rather he's a durable technician with a strong will to win. 3 pro bowls, two all-pros
3. Long. Long was a built like a fire hydrant, short, but powerful and explosive. A decent player and starter for the Steelers
4. Colon. A better guard than Tackle.
5. Courson. A player I've meet, Courson was a strong guard on some of the super bowl teams,
Honorable mention: Haslirig, Kemo, Mullins, Foster.
Centers. The Steelers talent as Center historically speaking since the NFL merger is as good as any other three teams!
1. Webster. Iron Mike was super strong, durable as a piece or iron and an excellent technician, often calling the offensive plays for the Steelers. A face mask first bull strong type of run blocker with vice-like hands, few got past him in pass protection. Hall of fame player, 9 pro bowls, 5 all pro's
2. Dawson. The best pulling center or all time, Dirt was everything you want a center to be. The only drawback was his inconsistency snapping the ball in the shotgun. Hall of fame player, 7 pro bowls, 6 all pro's
3. Pouncey - A top pulling center, and good pass protector. Run blocking is just so-so. 6 pro bowls, 2 all pro's
4. Mansfield. A fine center who played on many bad teams, he was the man until Mike Webster came along.
5. Hartings may have had the ability to rate higher on this list. Only playing 6 seasons with the Steelers hurts his standing. Two pro bowls, 1 all pro.
Honorable mention: I struggle to find one because our starter at center usually played a long time at a very high level. I'll list one name. Duffy.
