The Pittsburgh Steelers believed that 2021 third-round pick, Kendrick Green would be the perfect heir-apparent to legendary center, Maurkice Pouncey. The big man was selected out of the University of Illinois 87th overall and would soon after take Pouncey's jersey number (53). He had big shoes to fill and believed he would be up to the task. It turns out, he wasn't. Several errant snaps, penalties and an overall performance that was filled with incosnsitencies during his rookie campaign immediately had fans labeled him as a bust.
Steelers offensive lineman, Kendrick Green warms up in street clothes and was a healthy scratch for the team's matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The Steelers would go on to sign veteran, Mason Cole in 2022 free agency which marked a quick stint for Green as the team's starter. He was even moved from the position entirely and worked out at left guard (his natural position) throughout his sophomore season. He was on the 53-man roster, but inactive for all 17 games. Many believe it will be hard for him to even crack the 53-man in 2023.
ESPN currently has Ryan McCollum as the offense's backup center while Green is listed as the third left guard behind Isaac Seumalo and Kevin Dotson. They might want to update their records because it surely seems as if Green has been the clear-cut #2 center behind Cole during Organized Team Activities (OTAs). If this holds true, he is almost certain to not only make the roster, but be active for games in 2023.
Green was open when speaking to the media about his apparent move back to center. The third-year player seems to have a clue that this may be his only way of making the team in 2023.
"Just doing what they tell me to do, you know? That’s what I have to do to be on the team. That’s what the coaches want me to do, so that’s what I’m doing."
Steelers Offensive Line Coach, Pat Meyer (left) and Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada (right) stand on the field at Acrisure Stadium while player warmup prior to a divisional matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Green has come to grips with reality and understands that he isn't going to be playing unless an unfortunate injury were to occur. He is not hoping for that, but still acknowledged he hopes to get a chance to prove himself.
"At this point, I just have to do what I have to do. Hopefully, one day, I get an opportunity to get in there. I’m not wishing nothing bad on Mason or anyone, but that’s just where we are right now," Green said.
The center turned guard turned back to center did seem to have a couple excuses surrounding his NFL timeline, however. He wants to try and make the most of it, but feels as if he almost lost a whole season.
"I just feel like I’m a year two player. Last year, I felt like a rookie again playing guard in the NFL for the first time. Now, it’s my second year playing center, but it’s really year three. I just have to deal with it. It is what it is."
Steelers offensive lineman, Kendrick Green (#53) stretches with his teammates before a training camp practice in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers May Be Giving Green One Last Chance To Prove Himself
The summer of 2023 could make or break Green's career. He is currently getting second-team reps, but it's all too early to assure that he will be around come the beginning of the regular season. It seems like Green won't be moving to the backfield after all. Barring another addition from the free agency market, there is a legitimate chance that Green wins over the backup center spot and would be thrown into the fire if anything were to happen to Cole.
Do you think Green still has potential to be a starter in the NFL? Let us know in the comments below!
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