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James Daniels is easily the most disrespected player for the Steelers.
James Daniels was the best offensive lineman for the Steelers last season, but some people suddenly believe he needs to change positions, or even be traded.
Who is the most underrated player for the Pittsburgh Steelers? This offseason, we could actually quantify that descriptive question to say most disrespected player.
The current answer is clear and without question to anybody paying attention: James Daniels.
I believe that the reasoning behind the disrespect is grounded in the stubborn mindset of a portion of the fanbase stuck in their ways. Let me try to clarify.
The Steelers offensive line performance reached what was quite possibly an all time low in recent seasons. The precipitous decline started in 2019; as reliable standouts like Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, and Alejandro Villanueva seemingly faded all at the same time. That reality left the franchise with too many holes to fill with bargain bin specials and mid round projects. Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense suffered the consequences.
Steelers fans across the globe have been screaming for high priced free agents and first round draft picks ever since. I readily admit that I was one of those screaming the loudest for the Steelers to substantially invest in their foundations, both of the offensive and defensive variety. Football games are won, and lost, in the trenches.
In his closing act as Steelers GM last offseason, Kevin Colbert finally addressed the elephant in the room. He masterfully signed two huge offensive line upgrades in James Daniels and Mason Cole. Both talented young men brought proven experience to the equation, at team friendly prices. The results were immediate and obvious, as they stabilized an offensive line that was in disarray the season prior.
Mason Cole provided communication and leadership at center that was definitely missing in 2021, but James Daniels was easily the Steelers best offensive lineman last season, and the most successful free agent addition for the franchise in recent memory.
