Steelers' Kenny Pickett Noted Proven Offensive Lineman As "Leader Of The Room"

One of the things that the Pittsburgh Steelers focused on fixing this offseason was the offensive line. They brought in 2023 Pro Bowl alternate, guard Isaac Seumalo to help the interior of the big men upfront. Then, with the Steelers' first pick in the draft, they selected Broderick Jones to hopefully be the team's future at left tackle. These two additions, along with the additions of James Daniels and Mason Cole in the previous offseason, should set the Steelers up for a solid offensive line moving forward.

A Real Leader For The Steelers

Cole has become a real leader for the Steelers. He started his career as a third-round pick drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2018. He was with them until the 2021 offseason when he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a sixth-round pick. While there, he finally got his opportunity to start at center. However, he wouldn't get a new contract with the Vikings and decided to sign with the Steelers on March 17, 2022. In just his 77 career games, he has been a starter in 56 of the games. 

Although he is not a huge name like Maurkice Pouncey or Mike Webster, the Steelers have become content with Cole. Not only because their next best option is Kendrick Green, but because he has played quite well. He received "The Chief Award" which is given to the player that best represents the franchise and city in his cooperation with the media. The year prior, it was given to Cam Heyward who has always been a proven leader within the organization.

Someone who has come to appreciate Cole is quarterback Kenny Pickett. At first, fans were questionable with Pickett, but with the way that he ended the season, their confidence grew. He finished with 2,404 passing yards and 7 passing touchdowns, as well as 237 rushing yards with 3 rushing touchdowns. He has also built a great relationship with the offensive line and Cole.

Pickett was recently on Not Just Football with Cam Heyward where he gave high praise to Cole. He mentioned that Cole is the leader of the room and is a veteran on that offensive line.

"Mason's definitely the leader of the room and it kind of branches out from him." Pickett then told Heyward, "He's just another veteran guy that has played a lot of football."

Pickett, who is 25 years old, has taken advantage of some of these older guys. Since the Steelers have one of the youngest offenses in the league, Pickett needs to take the knowledge from every veteran that he can. Even if that is a guy like Cole who is one of the more underrated players in the league.

"He's really smart, knows the game. I think he is one of the more underrated players on our team with how talented he is too. He's a guy that I love having upfront.

There have been a lot more than just Pickett that think Cole is the leader of the offensive line. Former Steelers offensive lineman Ramon Foster commented on how Cole has embedded himself more than anyone else on the team. It almost brings shades of Pouncey when he was with the team as a true vocal leader. Cole could even in the future possibly become a captain for the Steelers.

"He's steady and you know what you're getting out of him," Foster said. "He's a vocal leader and by his work too, I feel like Mason really embedded himself more than anybody else."

So, what do you think Steeler Nation? Will Cole continue his role as a leader for the Steelers? Let me know in the comments below!

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