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Should the Pittsburgh Steelers draft offensive lineman Brandon Scherff?

By Brian Spaen

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Iowa’s Brandon Scherff is one of the highest-rated offensive linemen heading into the 2015 NFL Draft. His fluctuation in the first round gives hope that the Pittsburgh Steelers could be in the mix to get him. However, would it be the best idea to grab a guard over a cornerback?

Charlie Campbell of Walter Football compares Scherff to former New England Patriots OL Logan Mankins and notes how incredibly strong, durable, and intelligent the former Hawkeye is.

"Scherff is an absolute beast in the ground game. He is extremely powerful and consistently blasts defensive linemen out of their gap. He can ride them around the field and rag-doll defenders. Scherff showed so much power that he would occasionally drive blockers with one arm. Scherff also is quick to fire to the second level and hit blocks, pull or lead blocks downfield. He is a devastating run-blocker who is a force in the trenches for the ground game. His raw power is extremely impressive, and he sustains his blocks through the whistle with a bullying attitude."

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Mark Eckel from NJ.com reported an unnamed scout for an AFC team loved Scherff’s versatility. Others did not believe that he could play tackle in the next level, but this scout thought he could basically play anywhere.

"“Can he be a guard, sure he can,” an AFC scout said. “But he can play tackle, too. I would have no problem playing him at tackle. I think he can be a left tackle for that matter. But his best spot is probably right tackle.”"

There hasn’t been an offensive lineman more highly-touted from Iowa since Robert Gallery. That’s the only problem that faces the Steelers — he may not be available by the time the team gets on the clock. However, if he is, then it could force Pittsburgh to pick him over somebody at the cornerback position they really need.

Behind the Steel Curtain argued the point of grabbing an offensive lineman. Jeff Hartman argued that while the defense does need to improve, another way they could help the unit is by installing a powerful running attack that would be beefed up with somebody like Scherff’s presence and continuing to build a strong line. On the flip side, Mike Frazer argued that the Steelers have enough on their roster at the moment.

"The team already has spent two first-round picks (Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro) and a second-round pick (Marcus Gilbert) on the current group of linemen. DeCastro and Kelvin Beachumare both due for contract extensions, and Pouncey just received a new deal last year. There is a lot of money tied up in the line; adding another high pick would not be financially wise."

It is also hard to ignore Gallery’s underperformance in the NFL after being picked second overall in 2004. Is there a limit to Scherff’s success like there was with Gallery, who played six of his seven years with the Oakland Raiders and never made it to the Pro Bowl?

There is simply too many landmines for Scherff to pass to get to Pittsburgh. The Cleveland Browns are in desperate need on the right side of their offensive line. The San Francisco 49ers need to replace Mike Iupati, who is now with the Arizona Cardinals, and the New York Giants need somebody to protect Eli Manning immediately.

A cornerback should still be the top priority for the Steelers, and it is doubtful they would be in position to make that tough choice anyway.

Next: Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Best Offseason Moves

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