The Steelers converted a 6-foot-9 former Army Ranger into their starting left tackle. Next, they might try to convert a 6-8 rugby player from Australia into another offensive lineman.
Jordan Mailata, a 21-year old who has never played American football, is visiting with the Steelers Tuesday.
Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak turned Alejandro Villanueva into his left tackle when Villanueva had little experience as a lineman in college. Villanueva played some offensive line while at Army, but he also played defensive line, receiver and tight end for the Black Knights.
The Steelers signed Villanueva in the summer of 2014 after he was cut by the Eagles, who tried him out as a defensive lineman.