King Dunlap: Steelers target later in draft

New Era Scouting » Blog Archive » Stretching the Field: On The Line: "The Steelers strongest need is to rebuild the entire offensive line. The team may need to find replacements for the entire left side, and upgrades throughout the unit. Marvel Smith has been a mainstay at left tackle for several seasons, but his health has been an issue. His balky back limited him to 12 games last season. His main backup was former starting right tackle Max Starks, who just signed the team’s $6.9 million a year transition player tender, as backup for both tackle spots. Starks is a bit stiff to play the left side consistently, and in offensive coordinator Bruce Arians’ heavy passing scheme, athleticism is a must. Look for the Steelers to possibly make this a round one selection, should a quicker left tackle like Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams be available at pick 22. If they choose to hold till later in the draft, the team has shown considerable interest in Auburn’s King Dunlap.The Steelers strongest need is to rebuild the entire offensive line. The team may need to find replacements for the entire left side, and upgrades throughout the unit. Marvel Smith has been a mainstay at left tackle for several seasons, but his health has been an issue. His balky back limited him to 12 games last season. His main backup was former starting right tackle Max Starks, who just signed the team’s $6.9 million a year transition player tender, as backup for both tackle spots. Starks is a bit stiff to play the left side consistently, and in offensive coordinator Bruce Arians’ heavy passing scheme, athleticism is a must. Look for the Steelers to possibly make this a round one selection, should a quicker left tackle like Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams be available at pick 22. If they choose to hold till later in the draft"