Hensley: Adams and DeCastro Have to Work to Earn Starting Jobs

July 30th, 2012

Matt Loede

Posted in Main

Jamison Hensley at ESPN talks today about some of the young Steelers OL, and how they are going to have to keep working to earn a starting job with the team in 2012.

The expectation is for the Steelers’ top two picks in the 2012 draft, guard David DeCastro and tackle Mike Adams, to start this season.

Pittsburgh, however, isn’t going to give the starting jobs to rookies. They will have to earn it.

In his weekend visit to Steelers training camp, ESPN’s John Clayton points out that DeCastro and Adams are working with the second-team offense. Here is Clayton’s take on the situation:

DeCastro should excel on running downs and learn how to be a good pass-blocker. Adams looks natural when he’s going one-on-one against a pass-rusher. But a rookie tackle can be counted on to give up eight to 10 sacks. For example, look at the 49ers when they drafted Mike Iupati at guard and Anthony Davis at right tackle. The 49ers gave up 44 sacks that year. Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked an average of 43.5 times a season the past six seasons. Willie Colon should do well at left guard if he stays healthy. Maurkice Pouncey is already one of the best centers in football. The Steelers just have to make sure DeCastro and Adams are ready.

For right now, Ramon Foster is starting at right guard and Trai Essex is at left tackle. By the time I get to Steelers training camp in a couple of weeks, my guess is DeCastro will be at right guard and either Adams or Max Starks will be at left tackle.