Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Mike Adams starts OTAs on the right side of the line
By Dustin Hockensmith |
[email protected]
on May 30, 2013
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Mike Adams (76) warms up during NFL football practice, Wednesday, May 22, 2013, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Mike Adams has started the team's organized team activities, or OTAs, working exclusively on the right side of the line, he told Steelers.com yesterday.
That means Marcus Gilbert gets first crack at protecting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's blind side. Gilbert, a second-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft, has made 18 starts and primarily played right tackle in two seasons.
"I haven't [practiced on the left side]," Adams said. "If I do need to, I'll be ready."
Adams was also a second-round pick who could have been more, falling to the No. 56 overall pick after testing positive for marijuana at the NFL combine.
The Ohio State product played in 10 games at right tackle as a rookie and made six starts before suffering a high ankle sprain that kept him out of the team's final six games.
Pittsburgh appears to be making a choice this spring, the consistent, even approach of Gilbert over the superior athleticism and upside of Adams.
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