Left guard Alan Faneca presents us with a question very similar to Kevin Mawae: just how valuable is an individual offensive lineman to a team? When we compare Faneca to his contemporaries, however, it becomes clear that he was a crucial cog for his teams.

Of his 13-year career, Faneca spent a decade (1998 to 2007) with the Pittsburgh Steelers – his original team. During his peak years from 2001 to 2007, Faneca was selected as an All-Pro six times, making the Pro Bowl all seven years. His 146 PFR AV ranks him 13th all-time among offensive linemen.

He helped block for a 1,000-yard rusher in seven of his 10 years in Pittsburgh. In his tenure there, the Steelers rushed for the 13th-most rushing yards per attempt (3.97) on interior runs. Running back Willie Parker was 24th in rushing yards per interior attempt (3.99) among 57 runners to top 300 carries in that decade, and Jerome Bettis was 18th among the same on similar plays in touchdown/first down rate (24.11 percent).

Faneca had a strong peak as a member of the Steelers in the early 2000’s, and that consistent dominance earns him a spot in our Hall of Fame wishlist.