Neither the Cleveland Browns nor the Steelers did much to address their needs on the offensive line at last weekend’s NFL Draft.
The Browns waited until the seventh round before selecting an offensive lineman -- guard Garrett Gilkey of Chadron State -- while the Steelers avoided the position altogether. This week, both AFC North teams are scheduled to meet with Colts free-agent offensive tackle Winston Justice, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported.
Justice, 28, started 12 games at right tackle for Indianapolis last season but missed four games with knee and biceps injuries. The former 2007 second-round pick was acquired by the Colts from the Eagles last March. Justice was deemed expendable by the Colts after the signing of former Lions tackle Gosder Cherilus last month.
In 2012, Justice struggled in both pass protection and run blocking situations. The former USC offensive lineman ranked 32nd in pass blocking efficiency and 34th in run blocking efficiency among starting tackles, according to Pro Football Focus. Justice missed the 2011 season with a knee injury but had a strong season in 2010 when he ranked 13th in pass blocking efficiency.
If signed by the Steelers, Justice would likely compete with Mike Adams for the starting right tackle spot. In 10 games last season, Adams allowed seven sacks in 497 snaps. Justice is scheduled to meet with Pittsburgh on Monday. In Cleveland, Justice would provide depth behind starting right tackle Mitchell Schwartz. In 16 starts in 2012, Schwartz allowed five sacks in 1,064 snaps. After meeting with the Steelers, Justice reportedly will visit with the Browns on Wednesday.
The Browns have significant cap space available with more than $32 million under the cap, according to Spotrac.com. The Steelers, meanwhile, have only $1.745 million under the cap for the upcoming season.
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