Grading the Pittsburgh Steelers projected starting offense in 2021

Offensive line

RT Zach Banner:  C

I’m being optimistic, here. Banner couldn’t handle speed rushers in college. There’s no reason to expect that to get anything but worse in the Pros. He gave up no sacks or penalties but only played 57 snaps last year. This is the weakest link in the Steelers O-Line.

RG Trai Turner: B

David DeCastro’s release has stunned everyone. Turner is a 5 time Pro Bowl player. He’s been bit by the injury bug of late, missing 8 games in the last 2 seasons to a concussion and ankle, knee, and groin injuries. He’s only 28 but with all these injuries does he has anything left?

C Kendrick Green: B

The Steelers 2021 3rd Round pick has a solid anchor and re-anchor in pass protection. Has good quickness and moveability in run blocking. Had a number of washout blocks. Looks for work and can make it to the second level. Has limited experience at center but his film looked good at that position. Should be a good starter in his rookie season with ‘set and forget’ potential.

LG Kevin Dotson: B+

Looked like a seasoned pro in his rookie year subbing for Matt Feiler. In 358 snaps in 2020, he surrendered no sacks but gave up three penalties for a 66.2 rating by Pro Football Focus. Should be an improvement over Feiler as a run blocker and comparable in pass pro. There’s every reason to think Dotson will keep getting better in his 2nd year.

LT – Chuks Okorafor – C – I like Chuks as a right tackle. As a left tackle, I’m not so sure. He played well in 2020 but had some mental errors. In 1033 snaps he gave up 3 sacks with 5 penalties for a 57.5 PFF rating. Still, he seemed to get better as the season went on. If he keeps improving he could develop into a solid LT.