The Pittsburgh Steelers had one of the strongest offensive lines ever seen in the 2010s, consistently dominating opposing defenses and keeping the pocket clean for a young Ben Roethlisberger. Names like David DeCastro, Alejandro Villanueva, Ramon Foster, and Maurkice Pouncey led the dominant line. More recently, the Steelers have had trouble filling in offensive line positions with their veterans either departing in free agency or retiring. In the past two seasons, the Steelers have methodically rebuilt their offensive line, and it's showing glimmers of becoming the crushing line known in the past.
Eric Hartline / USA Today
The Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Line
In 2023, the Steelers traded up in the draft to take offensive tackle Broderick Jones 14th overall. They also spent another pick on the line, taking Spencer Anderson in the seventh round. Both Jones and Anderson were able to get a good amount of reps in during the Steelers' first 2023 preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even with Jones as the top pick in the draft, Anderson is proving early he might be the more versatile and valuable addition to the offensive line.
A Diamond in the Rough
Anderson was taken with Pittsburgh's final pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, pick 251. He was not a highly-rated offensive lineman coming out of Maryland into the draft - he did not participate in any drills in the NFL Combine. He did however, participate in the Maryland Pro Day. Anderson received a prospect score that put him in the rankings as a bottom roster or practice squad role, saying he would be a filler and nothing more.
NFL Draft Diamonds
Steelers seventh-rounder Spencer Anderson will get a legitimate shot to compete for the backup center position.
Anderson has had a tough training camp, consistently being outshone by other linemen. The one thing that made him stand out was his overall versatility. In his collegiate career, he has started games at left tackle, center, right guard, and right tackle. Few linemen can achieve this feat, as many stick to one side of the line and can switch from tackle or guard. Anderson can take reps at both sides of the line, as well as center. He's stated that he is confident he can play any of the positions he has before for Pittsburgh, and keeps the team's best interest in mind.
"Wherever I'm at, I'm giving it my best, and whatever is good for the team is good with me."
Anderson's character has shown through as he gains more ground in his race for a roster spot. He has constantly had a team mindset and will put his teammates before himself, which is an integral characteristic and one that coaches hunt for in young players. Anderson has the right attitude to be on an NFL field, but does he have the desired skill set?
How the Steelers Rookie Performed
Anderson played all over the line in his preseason debut, playing both tackle and guard positions. While he was on the field, the Steelers had some of their most successful run plays, as well as the longest play of Pittsburgh's night, a 67-yard touchdown bomb to Calvin Austin III. Anderson was winning blocks creating open gaps for successful runs. He was also efficient in protecting the blind side of the quarterback. Anderson had a very promising debut and hopes to build off his surprising performance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 2 of the 2023 preseason.
Douglas DeFelice / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookie Spencer Anderson (#74) plays in his first NFL game in Tampa, FL.
As strong as Anderson looked in his first NFL game, he did have his fair share of mistakes. His footwork is one of his biggest downfalls, and his ineptitude was put on display. His feet look slow and heavy depending on the pass or run protection he's in. He also lacks the vital arm length to be able to overpower some defensive linemen and linebackers, which could prove fatal further into the preseason or regular season. As of right now, Anderson is a very promising player with tons of room to grow.
Where Will Anderson Fit In?
In the first official depth chart for the Steelers, Anderson is listed as the fourth-string center. Regardless of his depth chart rankings, he can be floated to any tackle or guard position as needed. Left guard is one of the thinnest positions the Steelers have, with new signee Isaac Seumalo labeled as the starter. Anderson has a lot of work to do to make the 53-man roster, but he's off to a promising start.
What did you think of Spencer Anderson's debut performance? Will he make the 53-man roster? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
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