Predicting each Steelers 2020 rookie’s breakout game

Chase Claypool Notre Dame (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Chase Claypool Notre Dame (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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Alejandro Villanueva #78 (R) Ramon Foster #73 (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Kevin Dotson

While Kevin Dotson has already made himself a fan favorite with the Steelers, he seemingly has a long way to go before he is ready to start. If all goes to plan, he will become the full-time starting guard in 2021. That doesn’t mean he won’t play earlier though.

In the week 16 game against the Colt, both David DeCastro and Maurkice Pouncy miss for injuries, opening the door for Dotson to start at guard. He shows the nastiness that got him drafted, throwing lineman out of the way for Conner, who accumulates 186 total yards and a pair of scores on the day. Dotson is given the game ball, as he was vital in paving the way.

He does give up a sack, showcasing his weakness in pass blocking, but it in no way inhibits the Steelers from dominating. Dotson sets a physical tone early, and it is one the Steelers like enough to name him starter for 2021. His tape matches the hype, and Dotson’s career as a Steelers starter begins.