Pittsburgh Steelers: David DeCastro release puts pressure on young OLine

The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines last week as they released long time guard David DeCastro. DeCastro spent nine seasons with the Steelers, played in 125 games, and earned first team All-Pro twice in that span. Injuries played a part in the release, as DeCastro still needs to have another surgery on his ankle.

The Steelers were quick to act after the release, signing free agent guard Trai Turner to a one-year deal worth $3 million. Turner had a rough year in 2020 with the Chargers, and has also dealt with injuries in recent seasons, but it’s a good bet at the value to potentially get Turner’s best version of himself in 2021.

Still, the release of DeCastro and the uncertainty surrounding Turner means one big thing.

The pressure is on the young guys on the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line.

It starts with Chukwuma Okorafor, who, despite getting 15 starts in 2020 at right tackle, now moves over to left tackle. For some, the move isn’t that big of a deal, but for others, it can take time to adjust. Okorafor had a good 2020 season that featured good work in pass protection, staying balanced and maintaining leverage with strong and well-placed hands. In the run game, he displaced second level defenders effectively. The question remains if he can replicate it over on the left side of the line.

Kevin Dotson likely has one of the guard spots locked up. His power at the point of attack is very good, and he’s good enough as a puller to succeed in his second season in the Steelers’ power run scheme. The hope is he becomes a cornerstone sooner than later, but it has to come to fruition.

Will Kendrick Green get an opportunity to start early in the season? That remains to be seen, as he’s currently not projected to land a starting spot by September. Green’s athleticism and finishing skills will give him an opportunity at some point, but with Turner recently signed, it could be some time before he’s on the field. However, he has center/guard versatility, and the center position could be up for grabs in camp.

Finally, there’s Zach Banner. Banner might be the biggest question mark on the line of anyone, as he’s only got two games started under his belt, one of which was with Pittsburgh in 2020. He has incredible size and strength for the position, but handling speed rushers and rushers with a good plan of attack will be something to watch. His inexperience could lead to early season struggles.

While there’s a lot to like for this Pittsburgh Steelers group, the question remains as to how this young offensive line fares in 2021. If it is indeed Ben Roethlisberger’s final season, will this group gel quickly enough to keep the Steelers in contention? The pressure is on, especially since the group of playmakers looks very good with the addition of Najee Harris. Time will tell to see if the Pittsburgh Steelers did enough in the offseason.