Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Paints A Gloomy Picture For Pittsburgh's Veteran Players

The Pittsburgh Steelers are nearing completion of their new coaching staff. Mike McCarthy is putting together a rather diverse group in doing so. He's bringing in some veteran coaches that have been around the game for a while, such as Patrick Graham and James Campen. Then, there's guys like Ramon Chinyoung, Domata Peko, and Jahri Evans who have little NFL coaching experience. The Steelers' staff now is already bigger than it was under former head coach Mike Tomlin, and it's likely to get bigger. Over the last few seasons, the Steelers have had one major problem that can be linked to the size of their previous coaching staffs, but with McCarthy's regime, this could change.

One of the Steelers' biggest problems has been developing young players, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The Steelers' failure to develop offensive skill players has left them badly wounded, as they continue to search for reliable wide receivers for a third straight year. 

They have tried with players like Roman Wilson, George Pickens, and Calvin Austin III. The latest to add to the list is running back Kaleb Johnson, who had little production in his rookie season. Johnson didn't play a ton, but when he did, he left fans wondering why the team used a third-round draft pick on him. 

Former Steelers Super Bowl Champion, Trai Essex, said on his show recently, The Snap Count, that he believes this new coaching staff will be huge for developing young guys. 

"What I'm thinking of, for me, when I see how many people [McCarthy] has tasked to help coach and lead this team, I'm thinking he's concentrating on the development of young players," Essex said. "I think just by the sheer number of people he's bringing in that, that's what his focus is gonna be."

While the Steelers don't struggle on defense as much as on offense, they have players they certainly expected more from. Keeanu Benton, Payton Wilson, and Cory Trice Jr. just to name a few. All of these players came on strong in their first years playing, but haven't been able to take that next step. Wilson was benched in favor of Malik Harrison and even Cole Holcomb at one point due to his inability to stop the run. However, this problem goes way deeper than the last few seasons.

From the 2017-2020 drafts, only three players remain. TJ Watt, Mason Rudolph (who had a brief stint with the Tennessee Titans), and Alex Highsmith. The Steelers have had to rely heavily on free agent and trade acquisitions. With this new coaching staff, the Steelers will hopefully be able to get guys worthy of second contracts. Not only have some players not gotten second contracts in Pittsburgh, but they have also gone to other teams and gotten significantly better. 

Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys ahead of the 2025 campaign. In his first season with the Cowboys, Pickens exploded for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. Kevin Dotson, who was drafted in the fourth round in 2020, is currently one of the highest-paid guards in the NFL. He's helped solidify the Los Angeles Rams' offensive line as one of the best units in football. With the Steelers, Dotson was a penalty merchant, with 11 in his final season; he's had no more than three in a season with the Rams. 

Steelers Will Finally Get Stability At Quarterback

McCarthy is seen around the NFL as a quarterback guru. He's developed plenty of big-name quarterbacks. While it stands, the Steelers want Aaron Rodgers back for one more season, but after Rodgers, the Steelers will have to start fresh. The 2027 quarterback class is loaded, and McCarthy will have the opportunity to have his guy. He has inherited his quarterbacks in the past and made them great. He will now start from scratch with a rookie, likely in 2027. 

There are plenty of good options coming out of the 2027 draft; McCarthy and the quarterback of his choosing will certainly be a sight to see. 

What do you think? Do you think the Steelers have a development problem? Will it be fixed under McCarthy? Let us know in the comments. 

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