Potential Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Line Prospects

Bumped. Good, thorough stuff here from one of our junior members. Thanks much. Edited just slightly, with photos inserted myself. -Blitz-

Ok so this is probably going to be my most involved scouting post as there are so many options at OL. I'm gonna select a group that I think are our most realistic options.

I'm excluding Alex Mack, due to the fact I've already made a detailed post on him.

Here are some recent highlights of the 2008 season that were not part of that original post.

Let's start with a guy with a great football name. One John Madden would truly appreciate and love to say multiple times during a telecast: Duke Robinson, OL, Oklahoma:

Aside Alex Mack, this is the guy that is seen as the Steeler's most likely first round pick. Standing at 6'5'', 330 lbs, Robinson is well suited for offensive guard but has shown the ability to be moved outside and play tackle as well making him versatile and durable. Robinson is said to be a great drive-blocker with a natural ability to get great leverage on a defender. He has the ability to win the battle up front and pancake defenders, and at the same time has above average pass blocking.

The few negatives are that he can be inconsistent in second-level blocking, he's not the fastest lineman in pass protection, and that he can, at times, struggle adjusting in pass protection.

IMO, Robinson could be a great fit in Black and Gold. The problem is, is that the Gaurd position is filled at the moment with Stapleton and Kemoeatu, and there is a reason he's primarily a guard. If he could beat out the Stapler, which is a distinct possibility, then he could make a major splash if picked.

Highlights from 2008 

Next Up, Max Unger, OL, Oregon:

Another possible selection, Unger may be one of the most versatile linemen out there having played Tackle and Center in his collegiate career. He does just about everything right when it comes to fundamental pass blocking. He recognizes the blitz and consistently picks them up, has decent speed and is able to keep with LB's Create FanPost: SB Nation and safeties. He's able to block from proper feet position and the correct angles to be effective in deterring pass rushers.Shows good leadership and character on and off the field.

On the opposite side, Unger does not possess great run blocking ability, a skill that is necessary to improve. His drive-blocking in particular needs to a priority.

For Unger, there are a lot of positives but unless he proves to the front office that he can be a solid run blocker, I'm not sure if he would make the best fit for our O-Line...Is there such a thing as designated pass blocker?

Seems to be the only highlights I can find.

Herman Johnson, OG, LSU:

The big boy out of LSU towers at 6'7" and 360 lbs. A credit to him for dropping over 20 lbs in preparation for the combine. There are many positives to Johnson's game. First and maybe most importantly, he can play with good leverage, which is key due to his large height. If he can't bring this to the NFL then he'll have a hard time getting off the ground. Johnson can play with a good drive, and jolts defenders off the line. His long arms are a bonus in pass protection. Is durable.

Negatively Johnson does have some legitimate concerns. At times at LSU he has registered over 400 lbs, yikes. Despite being a solid pass blocker, Johnson can get sloppy fundementally.

Personally I could see "The House" being a second round pick, but with the new contract with Kemo, I'm not sure if the Steelers will draft an OG this early. The Stapler looked good this past season, so I think that at this point Johnson would be a surprise pick but a pleasant surprise.

2008 Highlights

A post-game interview

Johnathan Luigs, C, Arkansas:

Luigs, another center, had a great combine which can only help his draft status. Running a 5.14, the 5th fastest 40 time at the draft for offensive linemen. Luigs also excelled at the vertical tying for the 7th highest among OL's with 31 inches. So it's safe to say that even at 6'4'', Luigs is one athletic dude. On top of that he has an impressive ability to combine his speed, size, and footwork to make blocks while in motion and into the second level. Another top quality is his ability to adjust to the blitz effectively.

With any player, there is always a downside. With Luigs there aren't to many, but he can be beaten by bigger defenders, and tends to rely too much on his speed than strength. Once he does make the second level, he does have trouble making consistent blockers.

A guy who could be available for a great value, in my book I have Luigs as a possible late day 1, early to mid day 2 pick. Don't cite me on that but that's my guess. If we don't end up with Alex Mack this guy may very well be the next best thing. His pro day workout will provide us with more insight.

Some Luigs and Arkansas Highlights against Florida 2008

Eben Britton, OT, Arizona:

Eben Britton is an interesting talent. Projected to be a first rounder-early second rounder, Britton has the size, but does he have the talent? At 6'6", 309 lbs, Britton plays physical football, pancaking defenders, and ultimately showing an ability to have consistent control on an opposing defender. He shows good run blocking and solid pass protection. Britton also did well at the combine running a 5.16, the 8th best time among all offensive linemen. Can bring leadership to the

Negatively there are a lot of questions surrounding Britton's consistency while protecting the quarterback. He has a tendency to allow defenders to beat him physically. Despite a good forty time, Britton doesn't have the top end foot speed which can be problematic when performing at the top level.

If the Steelers think he is worth the risk they may take a shot at Britton in the first round, but they may want to consider taking someone with a more solid arsenal of skills; Duke Robinson or Tyson Jackson.

Lyndon Murtha, OT, Nebraska:

When you talk about an impressive combine, there may not be one more impressive than that which Lyndon Murtha turned in last weekend. Murtha was the number 1 OL prospect in the 40 yard dash, running a 4.89, the second best OL prospect in the  vertical reaching 35", number 5 in the broad jump with 9'2'', number 1 in the three cone drill (7.06 seconds), and number 1 in the 20 yard shuffle (4.34 seconds). Damn, I know combine numbers aren't everything but wow. The kid  was definitely on every GM's "Wow" list after that. So aside all the combine hype, Murtha actually has other traits as well. Has the ideal "6'7'' frame for right tackle and weighs in at 310 lbs. Murtha shows very good skills in breaking up outside pass rushers while a the same time, finishes his blocks till the whistle blows. Decent 2nd level blocker.

Needs to get better at the cut block as this is a weakness in his game. Has trouble with blocking for a QB that moves away from him (uh oh), and needs to loosen his upper body. Can overextend. Has major injury issues-staph, foot, hamstring, and calf injuries, Oh My!

Murtha, though athletically talented, needs to become a more consistent blocker if he wants to make an impact at the next level. Could  be development prospect for the 3rd round.

Fenuki Tupou, OT, Oregon:

Another Duck, another talented player. Tupou is a guy who not only flashes physical run blocking, he also shows a solid talent for pass protection. He's fast and gets off the line quickly. Stands at 6'5'' 314 lbs and is still able to play with good leverage. A mauler in the run game he looks for contact, and physical enough to break into the second level.

Tupou needs to use his arms more. They're the right size but he does not always use them to his advantage. Is not consistent when he reaches the second level. Needs to be more consistent while blocking on the move. Has a hard time picking up the outside blitz quickly, and is not effective cut-blocking.

Fenuki Tupou is a guy that if available in the late third round, we could snatch up and attempt to develop over the next few years. A second round pick would be too much risk on him.

Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma:

A massive player standing at 6'8'', 330 lbs, Loadholt is a mauling run blocker who drives and pancakes defenders consistently. Plays well in the pass protection, keeping pass rushers away from the QB with his long arms and footwork. Plays with good leverage despite being a mammoth and gets his knees bent.

Loadholt needs to be quicker in deterring rushing defenders. Can be beaten off the edge. Can rely too much on his size while blocking which leads to shorter durations of sustaining blocks.

An interesting prospect, Loadholt could be well worth a second round pick if he falls that far. Not sure if he'd be consistent enough, but could be worth the risk.

2008 Highlights

Spotlight Feature

Well, there ya have it. Those are my most realistic players for us to spend draft picks on come April. Let me know what you think.

EDIT: To avoid the same fate as air holmes I'll cite my sources.

For scouting notes-I rephrase pick the ones that I think are most important- www.nfl.com

Of course for the highlights, they came from www.youtube.com