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If this reasonably eventful off season for the Steelers has taught us something it’s the truth that wonders by no means stop, and we as Steelers followers ought to be taught to count on the surprising. No one might have predicted JuJu Smith-Schuster selecting loyalty and legacy over cash by returning to Pittsburgh in a show of knowledge that belies his youthful age. Or when Tyson Alualu up and agreed to a contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars; the place the place his NFL profession started in reasonably disappointing style, solely to alter his thoughts after 10 days of COVID quarantine gave him ample time to come back to his senses.
One of many largest surprises this off season for yours really was an announcement revealed by none apart from Steelers T Zach Banner. It was frequent information all alongside that the Steelers needed URFA Banner again, and Banner needed to come back again. The Steelers had a busy couple of weeks to start free company in order that they targeted their consideration on different priorities as they thought-about Banner’s return a positive factor.
Banner waited patiently, however he determined to do one thing completely out of character whereas he waited. Banner is a gregarious younger man, by no means shy about sharing his opinion about social points based on his private beliefs. He’s each entertaining and ever current on social media platforms as he engages with the fanbase. Nevertheless, the loquacious Banner determined to shutdown his social media till he signed a brand new contract with the Steelers. That was a shock, however not the largest shock about Banner I’ve heard just lately.
That distinction can be an announcement that Banner says HC Mike Tomlin made to him in his exit interview on the conclusion of final season. Based on Banner, Tomlin advised him that not solely was he within the Steelers plans to rebuild their offensive line in an concerted effort to enhance their league worst speeding assault, however that he can be competing for the chance to start out at left sort out.
The primary time I learn that assertion I instantly thought it was a typo. I used to be positive that the assertion ought to have been that he was going to have a shot of beginning at proper sort out. I used to be so sure of it I did not give it a second thought. Then he reiterated that assertion in one other interview not lengthy after formally signing his new contract. Not solely was I shocked by the assertion, however I’m actually nonetheless confused and befuddled right this moment.
Zach Banner has proven me nothing up to now in his skilled profession that recommend he can play left sort out on the NFL stage. He has wonderful size, however lacks the stability and mobility of a left sort out. His large girth makes him a superb candidate at proper sort out, the place his energy and energy ought to assist bolster the Steelers aforementioned anemic working recreation. On the best aspect, he will not be tasked with defending his ageing future HOF QB’s blindside from insanely fast cross speeding specialists like Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett. Banner has prototypical dimension and abilities for proper sort out, not a lot for left sort out.
Nevertheless, not less than on paper, Chukwuma Okorafor is the dictionary definition of a left sort out. Blessed with wonderful top and intensely lengthy arms, Okorafor is gentle on his toes with spectacular mobility. At this level of his improvement, he handles pace higher than he does pure energy. He slides and shuffles gracefully, however can simply be knocked off stability when making an attempt to soak up an opponent’s bull rush. This occurred with higher frequency because the season progressed final 12 months.
So why am I so assured that Okorafor will probably be profitable at left sort out this season for the Pittsburgh Steelers? There are a number of explanation why at this level.
As talked about earlier, I consider that Okorafor was enjoying out of place final season at proper sort out. He was drafted within the 2018 NFL Draft within the third spherical out of Western Michigan by the Steelers to play left sort out ultimately. This was confirmed after the draft by none apart from Kevin Colbert. As I identified earlier, his ability set and bodily dimensions are perfect for left sort out.
Secondly, he was way more efficient enjoying subsequent to highly effective rookie G Kevin Dotson early within the season. They appeared to speak properly and shaped a robust tandem on the best aspect. Okorafor by no means appeared as comfy enjoying alongside David Decastro, a much more finesse kind participant. If Dotson takes over because the starter at LG subsequent season as anticipated, then the 2 can be paired up collectively as soon as once more. That bodes properly for each younger males.
Lastly, I need to level out Okorafor’s age in the intervening time. He will not flip 24 years younger till early in coaching camp, although he will probably be coming into his fourth 12 months within the league. I keep in mind pondering the primary time I noticed him in motion that he did not seem prepared for NFL stage competitors. He regarded tentative and not sure, like a junior varsity participant making the leap to varsity. In his case he was, not solely in ability stage and expertise, however in precise age. This offers me actual hope that he nonetheless has loads of room for enchancment, not simply in maturity however along with his useful enjoying energy additionally.
My ultimate offensive line has energy and stability within the inside positions, with size and athleticism on the sort out positions. Attributable to advancing age, accidents, and fewer than ultimate personnel choices by the teaching employees; final season’s Steelers line failed to satisfy these requirements and deteriorated quickly. Outdoors of Kevin Dotson the offensive line was by no means capable of obtain any semblance of push or surge. The Steelers hierarchy acknowledged the issue and are within the means of making an attempt to rectify the state of affairs.
All off season Steelers devoted have lamented the largest areas of want in bettering the working recreation are working again, middle, and both sort out spot. I’d argue that the primary two positions listed are way more wanted in the intervening time.
Who is aware of what the Steelers plans are at left sort out? Perhaps they are surely going to present Banner a shot there in coaching camp. I do not count on that experiment to achieve success, however what would it not damage. Coaching camp is a time for development and experimentation. Throw concepts on the wall and see what sticks. For what it is value, there’s a current image of Banner floating round social media exhibiting him in the very best form of his profession. He seems to be taking his rehab and a potential shot at left sort out very significantly.
I nonetheless consider that Chukwuma Okorafor would be the Steelers left sort out when the season begins, and that he’s greater than able to being profitable in that endeavor. All I’m asking is give the man an opportunity and have a bit religion. In spite of everything, he’s only a child and will use some assist from the Steelers devoted.
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