Steelers ignore biggest offensive problem with surprising second-round pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth in the second round of the NFL Draft, puzzling fans and pundits.

By all means, Freiermuth could be the next Heath Miller in Pittsburgh. He can block and split out wide, serving as another large target for Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Nonetheless, Freiermuth’s selection doesn’t solve the main issue with the Steelers’ offense — the offensive line.

Pittsburgh selected Najee Harris in the first round, and few could blame them given his football acumen and status as the best running back in this draft. The Steelers need a run game, and they very well may have solved that in Round 1. But Freiermuth will have to compete with the likes of Eric Ebron in training camp. Not to mention, the Steelers’ o-line is in shambles.

The Steelers need to find a way to protect Ben Roethlisberger this season

The Steelers o-line is full of unproven commodities. At center, BJ Finney is scheduled to take over for perennial Pro Bowler Maurkice Pouncey. The tackle positions are filled by Zach Banner and Chukwuma Okorafor — both solid players but neither should be considered a starter on a contending team.

The point here isn’t to throw shade at Freiermuth’s NFL career. He has plenty of potential, and could very will fill that out with Pittsburgh given their recent success in the second round. But pushing back the offensive line problems with an aging, immobile quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger is a recipe for disaster. No wonder Steelers fans are confused.

Kevin Colbert owes fans an explanation, and he better think fast.