Quick-hitting analysis on every key contributor to the 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers.

*new veteran

**rookie

Head Coach: Mike Tomlin

Offense

Coordinator: Bruce Arians

QB: Ben Roethlisberger

Character concerns, sure. But he’s a 28-year-old two-time Super Bowl Champion with the best physical skill set of any quarterback in the game. That buys him second chances.

RB: Rashard Mendenhall

Natural downhill runner who shows some giddy-up when hitting the accelerator. Decent power, too.

RB: Mewelde Moore

Struggles in pass protection but is a very good spot runner and short-area receiver.

WR: Hines Ward

Is 34 but coming off the second most productive season of his brilliant career.

WR: Mike Wallace

A star in the making. Expect 1,000 yards in 2010 and 1,200 to 1,400 yards in the years to come.

WR: Antwan Randle-El*

You might think he has great quickness and acceleration. Not anymore. Steelers need a better slot option.

WR: Arnaz Battle*

Sure handed ex-Niner has always been a solid role player.

TE: Heath Miller

Soft hands, smooth running and clever blocking technique make him a Top 10 tight end.

TE: Matt Spaeth

Fantastic size but is little more than a red-zone target and supporting run-blocker.

LT: Max Starks

Struggles to move his feet at times, but overall, survives just fine.

LG: Chris Kemoeatu

One of the premiere run-blockers in the game. He’s this line’s only source of mobility. Must become more consistent in pass protection.

C: Justin Hartwig

Lack of initial quickness makes him no better than average. Steelers should be eager to go with Maurkice Pouncey here.

RG: Trai Essex

Tendency to play too tall compromises his power. Still, he’s decent overall.

RT: Jonathan Scott

Hard to imagine he’ll maintain this job come September. He was awful as Buffalo’s fill-in left tackle last season.

6 OL: Maurkice Pouncey**

The first-round pick’s maturity and football IQ have impressed coaches. He’s getting work at guard but could assume his long-term starting center role sooner than later.

Defense

Coordinator: Dick LeBeau

LDE: Aaron Smith

Perhaps the soundest all-around 3-4 end in the game. Excellent backside chaser against the run. Question is, at 34 and coming off rotator cuff surgery, is he still effective?

NT: Casey Hampton

Easy to see why the Steelers gave him a three-year, $21.3 million contract. He’s the key to their run defense.

RDE: Brett Keisel

Multifaceted athlete who gives this front seven the ability to deceive and improvise.

4 DL: Ziggy Hood

Squattier than a typical Steelers DE, but has the burst and quickness to succeed. Still very raw at this point.

LOLB: LaMarr Woodley

Might be the best outside linebacker on this team, which means he also might be the best outside linebacker in the NFL.

LILB: James Farrior

Not a dominator, but fantastic instincts. Gets to the ball quickly but is starting to show his age when he gets touched by blockers.

RILB: Lawrence Timmons

A resounding downhill athlete, but lack of instincts and lateral dexterity are problems at times.

ROLB: James Harrison

The most physical outside linebacker in football. Booming pass-rusher who can also anchor against the run or drop into coverage.

5 LB: Larry Foote*

Returns after a one-year hiatus in Detroit. Could recapture his starting ILB job as a first-and second-down contributor.

CB: Ike Taylor

If not for dropped interceptions, he’d be consensus Top 10 corner. Makes great use of his 6’2” length. Is in a contract year.

SS: Troy Polamalu

We learned in the 11 games he missed last season (knee) that he’s the most valuable defensive player in the league.

FS: Ryan Clark

Acceptable all-around. A little better as a hitter than space player.

CB: Bryant McFadden*

Smart move by Kevin Colbert to bring him back by trading only a fifth-and sixth-round draft choice. He shows excellent technique in the right scheme.

NB: Willie Gay

A liability as a starter last season. Second-year man Joe Burnett might challenge him at some point.

6 DB: Will Allen*

Inconsistent as a starter in Tampa Bay. Steelers brought him in to help fix their broken special teams coverage units.

Special Teams

K: Josh Reed

Slapped with a $2.8 million franchise tag. Wants a long-term contract. He’d help his cause by improving his distance on kickoffs.

P: Daniel Sepulveda

Left 29 punts inside the 20 last year with just four touchbacks.

RS: Stefan Logan

Tiny but quick specialist who posted solid numbers in both kickoff and punt returns last season.

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