Pete Prisco of CBS Sports resurfaced on Friday with his look at the most overrated and underrated players for every NFL team.
As far as the Pittsburgh Steelers go, Prisco gave the two labels to offensive linemen as he has center Maurkice Pouncey listed as being overrated and left tackle Kelvin Beachum as being underrated.
As far as Pouncey being overrated, Prisco writes:
He is a good player, but he’s not as good as some think and he’s coming off a major injury suffered in Week 1 last season. Yet he is now the highest-paid center in the league. Some don’t think the Steelers missed him last season when he got hurt. I disagree.
Steeler fans have been divided on Pouncey for several seasons now and many probably share in Prisco’s belief. Is he the best center in the league right now? I’m not sure you will hear any sane fan make that proclamation. Can he be? I think he definitely has the potential to be as he’ll only be 25 years old come the start of training camp. With the Steelers expected to run more outside zone in 2014, I think that best fits Pouncey’s playing style and if he can stay healthy, a second first-team All-Pro award could be in his future. This is a big year for him.
As far as Beachum being underrated, Prisco writes:
The Steelers have had line issues for a long time, but Beachum stepped in and played well last season at left tackle. It’s his job now.
Prisco certainly didn’t spend much time on that nugget, but it’s factual. Beachum filled in admirably after Mike Adams failed miserably at the start of the 2013 season. Being as he’s a technician of sorts, his play should stabilize and even improve in 2014 with Mike Munchak now on board as the Steelers offensive line coach.
Do you disagree with Prisco’s choices? If so, who else would you choose to go in either spot?
