Predicting which Steelers 2021 rookies will have successful NFL careers

C Kendrick Green

Putting an offensive lineman in this slot would be a risky proposition at best.  Offensive linemen are always pulling hamstrings, tweaking knees, tearing a pec muscle, or get concussions. It’s a brutal position. That said, the Steelers have an uncanny knack at selecting great Centers in the draft.

In the last 47 seasons, the Steelers have had six centers. Four of the centers played a total combined 44 seasons, with the other two playing three seasons. That’s unheard of for most teams to get that kind of productivity, especially on the offensive line. Adding to it, out of the four centers, two of them never missed a game in 22 seasons and played a total combined 429 games. Of course, those two are Mike Webster and Dermontti Dawson. Add to that Maurkice Pouncey; all three will be in the Hall of Fame.

Based on the Steelers’ track record with centers, there is no doubting when the Steelers draft a center; the kid is usually talented, skillful, and tough as nails. Enter Kendrick Green. They like his attitude in the way he plays. Scouts noted he has a mean streak. They like his leadership qualities; he has excellent skills. They had him ranked high on their draft board. On top of that, he started 33 straight games at Illinois, so he has an established track history of reliability.

Considering he’s projected as a starter in week one, fans can expect that he will be a productive member of the steelers for many years if Green performs as expected.