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NFL hot stove: Steelers offensive line

For the next several weeks leading up to the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, I'll take a look each day at a different position for each of the three local NFL teams. I'll look at current starters and backups, potential free agent pickups and draft picks.

Today: Steelers offensive line

Overview: Even with All-Pro guard Alan Faneca in place, the offensive line was viewed as a liability last season. Faneca's offseason departure to accept a huge deal with the Jets further weakened the line. The Steelers what for them constituted a bold move by signing ex-Panthers center Jeff Hartwig to a two-year, $4 million contract. Hartwig's acquisition could allow Sean Mahan to compete with veteran Chris Kemoeatu at Faneca's old spot. It would be surprising if the Steelers don't further address the line in the draft, perhaps with one of their first two picks.

Possible moves: Another interior lineman to add depth behind Hartwig, Mahan, Kemoeatu and left guard Kendall Simmons seems like a priority, and the Steelers could also look for a tackle to compete with incumbents Marvel Smith and Willie Colon.

Free agent potential: Not at this point.

Draft potential: Strong likelihood, especially an interior lineman on the first day.

Tomorrow: Browns defensive line.

-- John Dudley

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This page contains a single entry from the blog posted on April 2, 2008 7:37 PM.

The previous post in this blog was NFL hot stove: Bills offensive lin.

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