Can Kevin Dotson continue Pittsburgh Steelers interior line legacy?

With the release of David Decastro, the Steelers already questionable offensive line has even more question marks. Here’s how Kevin Dotson could help. 

With the release of long-time guard David Decastro and the retirement of center Maurkice Pouncey earlier in the off-season, the Steelers long history of elite interior line play is in jeopardy of ending. The duo was already declining prior to their departure, but their nearly decade-long run of excellence helped the team be one of the most consistent winners during that time.

As sad as it is to see them go, there are young players who will have the chance to take up the mantle, specifically a young guard who impressed last season.

Kevin Dotson has already shown exciting potential for the Steelers

Second-year guard Kevin Dotson has all the talent needed to become a pro-bowl caliber lineman. In 13 games and 4 starts as a rookie, Dotson was often the team’s most impressive player along the offensive line. Despite being billed as more of a run blocker coming out of Louisiana-Lafayette, he was most impactful as a pass blocker.

He hardly ever gave up any pressures, making great use of his strength and good hand placement to stonewall interior rushers. Brandon Thorn of Trench Warfare highlighted his game against Fletcher Cox last season, and it gives a glimpse of what he could be as a full-time starter. His performance as a run blocker wasn’t nearly as impressive, but you could say that about the entire team last season.

Hopefully, with the return of mauling tackle Zach Banner, offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s prior success calling the run game, and the addition of Najee Harris the rushing attack will have a chance to thrive.

The new offensive line coach is a great fit for Dotson

New offensive line coach Adrian Klemm has also been praised by Banner and Dotson himself for his approach, emphasizing being as violent and physical as possible. It’s a perfect ideology for Dotson, and it should help both him and the rest of the offense improve the rushing attack.

How that approach will work out in the passing game is hard to determine, but it should lead to more play-action opportunities and less reliance on the quick passing game. That could put more pressure on Dotson to repeat his success as a pass blocker, but I trust he is up to the task.

As great as Decastro was for the Steelers, his comments since being released show that it seems to be the right time to move on. I hope that his ankle is able to heal and he can resume his career, but the future is bright in Pittsburgh with Kevin Dotson. How much he can improve this year will have a big impact as the Steelers try and find their identity on offense.