Predicting which Steelers OL positions have upgraded and downgraded in 2021
By Tommy Jaggi
Center: Upgrade
I know there will be fans that disagree with this take, and I’m fine with that. But if I’m to be completely honest, I think Maurkice Pouncey has been making by on reputation alone over the past two years. In 2019 and 2020, the former All-Pro center was one of the worst in the league, as he struggled in both the run and pass game.
With Pouncey retired, many expected the team to take a center in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. However, the Steelers waited until around three to grab Illinois product, Kendrick Green. Though he doesn’t have the same size or frame as Pouncey, Green is a phenomenal athlete.
Despite his short, squatty stature, Green can get out in space and move with the best of them, and he has a nasty streak to him that would be hard for anyone else to match. Green was primarily a guard in college, so making the transition to a full-time center could may not always go smoothly. However, Green has a bully mentality that the Steelers need and his fit with Matt Canada’s scheme seems to be perfect. I genuinely believe he could be an upgrade over an old Maurkice Pouncey in his rookie season.