Why Steelers offense will get a huge boost after the 2021 NFL Draft

C Kendrick Green and OT Dan Moore Jr.

While the first two selections were not used in the trenches, the Steelers did not forget that this was a need as well, as they spent their next two selections on Kendrick Green out of Illinois and Dan Moore Jr. out of Texas A&M.

Green is listed as a guard but was selected to play center, and his versatility could serve as an asset to the Steelers. Despite possible second-round center target Quinn Meinerz lasting to their spot in the third round, the team preferred the fit with Green. Green’s athleticism at the center position, coupled with his ability to pull as a blocker in the running game makes him an ideal replacement for longtime starter Maurkice Pouncey, who retired this offseason. Pittsburgh’s interior lineman are often asked to pull as the lead blocker in their running scheme, so Green’s skillset and strength as a run blocker make him a great fit, who the team believes would have ranked higher on scouts’ boards had he spent his time at center in college.

As for Dan Moore, the Steelers needed a pure left tackle, with Zach Banner inked in for the next two seasons at right tackle, and that’s exactly what they got. Moore looks to compete with Chukuwuma Okorafor for the starting left tackle spot in camp and while he’s no guarantee to start this season, he will at the very least bolster the Steelers with depth at the tackle position, who could end up being a long-term starter.

There should be much more running room than the team saw last year, with Green and Moore added to an offensive line that already features: DeCastro, Banner, and Kevin Dotson. Only time will tell if these additions pay off but either way, one thing is clear, the Steelers committed to improving the running game.

Hopefully, the improvement of the running game, combined with a potentially potent passing game and one of the league’s top defensive units will help make the Steelers one of the league’s top Super Bowl contenders yet again.