The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Kendrick Green in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft last season and expected a lot out of the interior offensive lineman in year one. Green heard the noise, and decided to choose the number 53, despite the number last being worn by future Hall of Famer, Markuice Pouncey. From the get-go, Green was expected to fill the center role that was an area of concern the year before.
Unfortunately, Green was never able to adjust to the role in his first year and struggled mightily. Center was never his natural position, despite seeing some time at the position when he was at Illinois. He spent most of last season touching on how he was having issues with the position with the media.
The Steelers then signed James Daniels and Mason Cole this offseason, shoring up the center position and creating a huge competition at the guard spots.
Now, the second-year player will be playing only left guard, competing for the starting position with Kevin Dotson.
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 08: Kendrick Green #53 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action on against the Chicago Bears on November 8, 2021 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
What Can Steelers Expect Out of Green?
The Steelers should expect Green to do better because he's more comfortable playing a position he knows and does well at. He told reporters he got way more comfortable with center as the year went on, but should be even more comfortable playing the position he is.
The team should also expect a better season out of Green because of the experience he's gained through a season in the league. He could experience a key period of maturation from last season to this season.
But should we be concerned about Green's size at guard? As a center, the position plays more of a helper role to the guards because of the behemoth's of men that the guards usually have to defend against. Can Green hold his own against players like Calias Campbell, BJ Hill, and Jordan Elliott six times a year, on top of all the other talented interior defensive linemen the Steelers will be playing? That is yet to be known.
But competition breeds excellence, and this left guard battle should be one of the better camp battles this season. Brian Batko agrees, saying, "The Kevin Dotson-Kendrick Green competition will be the fiercest of any and is probably the most wide-open," he said.
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 12: Kendrick Green #53 of the Pittsburgh Steelers waits to snap the ball as Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers calls a play during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Even if Green losses the battle against Dotson, he will still at least backup both left guard and center. It is quite possible Green ends up looking better at center this year compared to the guard spot, but that is assuming his struggles last season were all learning experiences.
At the end of the day, you want to see Green do well and succeed. The Steelers spent a third round pick on him, and both him and the team have high expectations. Despite the rough 2021, Green showed glimpses that he could be a reliable starter in the league. After gaining confidence from the Pouncey brothers over the offseason and putting in the work, it is safe to say we expect a better season from Green regardless of where and if he plays.
What do you think, #SteelerNation? Can Kendrick Green take the next step going into the season? Who will win the left guard job as we get to the season? Do you still believe in Kendrick Green? Let me know in the comments below or @anthonyravasio on Twitter.
