5 unproven Steelers the team will rely on during 2021 season

Kevin Dotson

This one is rather cut and dry. The Steelers let Matt Feiler enter free agency, meaning there is a hole at guard that should be filled comfortably by former fourth-round pick Kevin Dotson. There are questions about Dotson’s long-term playing ability, but out of the three options so far discussed, fans should be the most excited for Dotson. He was one of the best rookie offensive linemen despite only playing 33 percent of the offensive snaps and starting a mere 4 games.

This transition for him should have actually happened in the playoffs last year. He was playing extremely well in place of Feiler, but the Steelers opted to give Feiler his starting spot back after he returned from injury. While that move didn’t ultimately cost the team their playoff game (there were a plethora of other reasons for that), Dotson was the better performing player and should have been given the nod to start.

Even more exciting, Dotson was deemed one of the better pass-blocking linemen from last year’s rookie class. Considering most saw Dotson as a run-blocking mauler coming out of school, this is a huge jump for him. Expect him to start every game he is healthy for. Beyond that though, he may cement his name in the conversation as one of the best interior offensive linemen. He showed a lot of promise, now it is time to cement himself as a top lineman in the league.