The NFL Owners Meetings are underway and Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin spoke with some of the local press about the upcoming season, in particular the offensive line. Tomlin was asked about the possibility of switching 2nd-year center Kendrick Green to guard for the upcoming season.
Asked if he will switch C Kendrick Green to guard in 2022, Mike Tomlin said, "I'm open to it."
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) March 27, 2022
This move is something that has been highly speculated after the busy free agency period saw the Steelers bring in former Chicago Bears lineman, James Daniels and Minnesota Vikings lineman, Mason Cole. Green could benefit moving back to his natural position of guard, but the Steelers have placed themselves in a pretty unique position.
Right now, there are three interior offensive line positions open for four players: Green, Daniels, Cole, and Kevin Dotson. Everyone but Dotson currently has experience playing center in their NFL career, so the combinations are endless. While Daniels and Cole are assumed to be starters in some capacity this season, that would leave Green and Dotson battling for the third spot, but not necessarily against each other. While I expect the interior to be Dotson-Cole-Daniels from left to right, with Green being the backup center/guard, General Manager Kevin Colbert gave some food for thought:
"Anything we did in free agency doesn't preclude us from taking another player at any of those spots we added players." -- Colbert
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) March 27, 2022
This is something to take into consideration given this will be Dotson's third year on the roster and there were reports last season that coaches were unhappy with how he showed up to camp. It was even rumored Trai Turner was brought in for a visit to replace Dotson initially before David DeCastro ultimately retired the following week, leading to Turner's signing.
The Steelers could be in more of a cut throat mentality moving forward as they continue to battle the never ending star power joining the AFC. If they see a prospect at pick No. 20 they deem could be better than what they have, while also helping clear the way for Najee Harris in the running game, I would not be surprised to see them pull the trigger.
What do you think, #SteelerNation? How should the offensive line shape up? Drop a comment below!
