I think this is where most of the posters on this forum are looking early in the 2023 draft. Upgrades are needed. However, before we can form a plan of attack we must first discuss the current OL, capabilities, and what exactly needs to be improved upon. Not even bothering with the current backups on this OL. Looking at our starting 5 exclusively. UNLESS, there is someone waiting in the wings that 'you' really have an eye on. In that case please speak up!!!
Starting inside-out:
Mason Cole OC, 26yrs old, 6'5"-300LBs, has played nearly 100% of offensive snaps this season. 66.5 overall player grade by PFF. Contracted through 2024 season.
My personal feeling on Cole is he will be here and enter TC as the starting OC. I do think the Steelers should draft a Center to battle for the role.
Kevin Dotson LG, 26yrs old, 6'4"-320LBs, has played 100% of offensive snaps this season. 66.9 overall player grade by PFF. Contracted through the 2023 season.
I would be shocked if Dotson was cut this offseason, and I believe he will be the starting LG heading into TC next year. Last year so needs competition by draft or FA.
James Daniels RG, 25yrs old, 6'4"-300LBs, has played 100% of offensive snaps this season. 72.3 overall player ranking by PFF. Under contract through the 2024 season.
I do not think Daniels will be replaced after this season. He started slow but has become what we thought he could be pre-season.
Dan Moore Jr LT, 24yrs old, 6'5"-315LBs, has played 100% of offensive snaps this season. 60.4 overall player grade by PFF. Under contract through 2024 season.
While I am not as down on BigDan as most on here, I will agree this has become a weak point. I expect to see competition for the LT spot come TC.
Chukwuma Okorafor RT, 25yrs old, 6'6"-320LBs, has played 100% of offensive snaps this season. 61.7 overall player grade by PFF. Contracted through 2024 season.
Chuks made $10M this season and is due another $10M next. Depending on the details of his contract, he will either be cut, re-negotiated, or we'll be stuck with him for another 2 seasons. I feel competition must be brought in at this position, and upgraded no matter the monetary cost.(not my money)
To put it in a nutshell the Steelers have 2 of the lowest ranked starting OTs in the NFL. Kevin Dotson and James Daniels are both ranked as solid NFL starters at OG, although Dotson scores much higher as a run blocker than in pass protection. I was unable to find any mention of Mason Cole on any list ranking league Centers.
After looking at all this I am convinced the Steelers must upgrade both OTs. It would also be a very good idea to upgrade the Center position, but not an immediate need.