The definition of versatility reads:
Ability to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
When I see this definition it makes me think of one particular position for the Steelers. The offensive line.
2019 wasn't a banner year for the unit, but with the return of Ben Roethlisberger they are poised for return to Top 10 status among offensive lines in the league. With that said, it is important to note the line isn't without holes.
With Ramon Foster retiring, and joining the staff here at DKPittsburghSports.com, the team has a gaping hole at left guard. Free agent acquisition Stefen Wisniewski was brought in to help, but the Steelers have options.
And that is a beautiful thing.
Alejandro Villanueva, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro and Matt Feiler are locks to be along the line on Day 1 of the season, but where is another story. Villanueva, Pouncey and DeCastro have solidified their positions, but Feiler is the wild card.
Feiler is the definition of versatile. His ability to play both tackle and guard give the Steelers options along the line. They can keep Feiler at right tackle, and let Wisniewski be the starter for the Week 1 game vs. the Giants. If the Steelers deem Feiler being on the inside is where he provides the most value, it would open up the right tackle position for a battle between Zach Banner and Chuks Okorafor.
The versatility doesn't stop there along the line, it is an obvious trait the Steelers covet when looking to add depth at the position. Wisniewski could be the Day 1 starter at guard, but he also is a player who can be the depth along the interior line at both center and guard after the departure of B.J. Finney to the Seahawks.
Looking at the players along the offensive line, it becomes almost a Rubik's cube of players who can play multiple positions. Just take a look at the depth chart along the offensive line.
Tackles
Villanueva
Banner
Feiler
Anthony Coyle
Christian DiLauro
Derwin Gray
Guards
DeCastro
Christian Montano
Centers
Pouncey
J.C. Hassenauer
When you look at the players listed above, there are plenty who can play multiple positions. Gray is listed as a tackle, but took plenty of reps at guard as a rookie in the 2019 preseason. Hassenauer has shown the ability to play along the interior line, not just center.
But then there are players who the Steelers' official roster have labeled as offensive line. Not tackle, guard or center, but offensive line. Those players are:
Offensive Line
Okorafor
Kevin Dotson (R)
Jarron Jones
Wisniewski
These players are talented enough to carry multiple positions, therefore they don't get a designation on the team's official roster.
Have I mentioned how important versatility is along the Steelers' offensive line?
There is a contingent of the loyal Steelers fan base who believes the offensive line is long in the tooth, and on the decline. An injection of youth is certainly warranted, but if you see behind the veil you can see what the organization is constructing. An offensive line with vested veteran starters, and young versatile players ready in the wings.
Versatility.
After all, the more you can do...
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June 18, 2020 at 11:06AM
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Versatility is the name of the game along the Steelers' offensive line - DKPittsburghSports.com
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