Initial draft grades for every Steelers 2021 draft selection

Round 3: Kendrick Green, OC, Illinois

Grade: B

My initial reaction to Kendrick Green being the pick wasn’t great, as I had personally been pulling for center Quinn Meinerz due to his mauling nature in the run game. While Green has a physical nature, I do think he is slightly below Meinerz overall. That said, Green has a physical nature to him as well and should develop well as a run blocker going forward.

The two primary issues I have with Green being the pick are his size and his natural position. While his 305 pounds that he weighed in at is fine, he is a little short at just a smidge under 6’2. While being tall isn’t necessary for the center position, for a team that wants a mauling run blocker, Green isn’t an ideal fit.

As well, he played mostly at guard while in school. He was projected to move to center based on his size, but that doesn’t mean he is center ready as of week one. He will need a few games at least to better learn the position. I do get some Kevin Dotson vibes based on his violent blocking, and like Dotson, I think Green will serve as a reserve for the most part year one. I like the pick overall, but I struggle to see him beating out B.J. Finney as of now.