The Pittsburgh Steelers' selection of Kendrick Green in the 2021 NFL Draft was supposed to solve the question of who would replace future Hall of Fame center, Maurkice Pouncey. A First Team Big-Ten offensive lineman at Illinois, Green demonstrated his ability to play multiple positions during his time in college and performed exceedingly well at the 2021 NFL Scouting Combine. However, the optimism the organization had for him quickly faded away as he failed to live up to expectations during his rookie campaign.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation.com (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
He opened up the 2021 season as the starter at center for the Steelers. Unfortunately, his level of play as a rookie was poor. He struggled tremendously in various aspects of his game and ultimately was benched in favor of former Alabama product, J.C. Hassenauer. During the 2022 season, Green was a healthy inactive for every single game. He entered training camp last season in a competition against Kevin Dotson for the starting spot at left guard. Dotson won the battle, and never let up.
With the additions of interior offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig this offseason, many believed it to be a foregone conclusion that Green would not be on the roster for next season. However, his slim chances of being a Steeler in 2023 may have improved slightly with the New York Giants signing former Steelers' offensive lineman, J.C. Hassenauer. Green, once again, now has the ability to showcase his talents and prove that he is worthy of a roster spot. While most fans are ready to move on from the former third-round pick, the Steelers may choose to give him one last opportunity.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Pittsburgh Steelers sign free agent Isaac Seumalo, guard, from the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Steelers' Plan At Offensive Line For The 2023 Season
Heading into next season, the Steelers find themselves in a favorable spot in terms of their offensive line. Four out of the five starting spots are most likely accounted for, with the exception of left tackle. Furthermore, the team has added the necessary depth with the signings of both Nate Herbig and Le'Raven Clark this offseason. General Manager Omar Khan has made it abundantly clear that the team is intending on running the ball effectively in 2023.
The Steelers have also hosted a plethora of potential draft picks at the interior offensive lineman position for Top-30 visits, including O'Cyrus Torrence from Florida, Steve Avila from TCU, and John Michael Schmitz from Minnesota, among others. The high number of official visits with offensive linemen prospects certainly increases the likelihood of the team parting ways with Green this offseason. However, if Green can somehow find a way to regain his confidence and prove his ability to play any of the three interior offensive line positions, he may be able to at the very least compete for a practice squad spot with the Steelers.
thedraftnetwork.com
Minnesota center, John Michael Schmitz.
Final Thoughts On Kendrick Green In 2023
In all likelihood, Kendrick Green has played his last snap for the black and gold. Being a healthy scratch for every single game in 2022 is a clear indication of how the team feels about the type of player he is. However, with J.C. Hassenauer opting to leave, there may be a small window of hope that he can turn his career around and become a valuable depth piece for the Steelers moving forward. He will most likely, barring injury, never be a starter for the team ever again, but this is not to say that he can't make an impact moving forward.
2023 is undoubtedly a make-or-break season for Green. If all goes well and he is able to stick on the roster, he will have the opportunity to extend his professional career. On the flip side, Green may find himself out of the league entirely if his struggles continue. Only time will tell what the future for Green and the Steelers holds. One thing is for sure, the Steelers would love nothing more than for him to prove fans wrong and perform well enough to crack the 53-man roster in August.
How do yinz feel about the possibility of Kendrick Green making the 53-man roster? Have you seen enough of him already to move on? What interior offensive line prospects do you have your eye on for the 2023 NFL Draft? Leave a comment!
#SteelerNation
