Entering the 2008 season, there were questions about the center, right guard and right tackle spots. While the club hasn't developed Pro Bowls at any of those positions, coaches are happy with how young players improved.

Center Lyle Sendlein was thought to be the weak spot, and he struggled at times early in the season. But coaches note that Sendlein played with a sore shoulder most of the season and that he improved greatly in the second half.

Whisenhunt thinks Sendlein is not going to be just a good player, but a "very good" one.

Coaches challenged right guard Deuce Lutui as much as any other player on the roster. While Lutui still showed tendencies to make mental errors, he played fairly well.

Coaches still want to challenge him constantly, so Elton Brown, recently re-signed, and perhaps a draft pick will push Lutui.

Right tackle Levi Brown did a decent job most of the season, but he has yet to play to the level expected of the fifth overall pick in the draft.

Brown struggled some in the Super Bowl, although it's true the Steelers pass rushers give most teams trouble.

Brown likely will stay at right tackle in 2009, but he could eventually move to the left side and replace Mike Gandy. Coaches are also high on Brandon Keith, a seventh-round pick last year.

Keith is athletic and coaches think he has the ability to play left tackle one day. He still is in the developmental stages, however.