A Mike Tomlin quote has sent Steelers nation into a frenzy, so just what should we take away about the teams’ feelings towards Dotson?
One of the most promising Steelers entering this season has to be Kevin Dotson. Drafted in the fourth round during the 2020 draft, the buzz around Dotson was almost instantaneous. Known as a mauler, fans clambered for him to take the field sooner than later.
Dotson came in and played as a reserve, but easily he was one of the best players along the line. There is an expectation that he will end this season in the conversation as one of the best interior linemen in the league.
Considering the Steelers’ turnover along the offensive line, a stable, top-tier face would be welcomed. With the team only returning one of their five starters along the offensive line, Dotson needed to make the jump. There was little reason why he wouldn’t; he graded out as one of the top rookie offensive linemen and had great tape in pass protection (an area he was considered weak at during the draft).
Those plans, on the surface, have been derailed though. For starters, a rumor went around earlier that Trai Turner was initially brought in due to Dotson being overweight in heading into training camp. Pictures and quotes from Dotson himself seemed to disprove that. Now, head coach Mike Tomlin stated that Dotson isn’t receiving snaps over Rashaad Coward as he hasn’t earned them yet.
What should we take away from Steelers comments on Dotson?
Simply put, I wouldn’t stress these comments too much right now. While it is slightly disappointing to not have Dotson on the field so far during training camp, his lack of playing time has been due to an injury. While getting practice in is important, it would be far worse if the team rushed him back only for him to aggravate or worsen the injury. He is slowly getting worked back into the rotation, and once he is fully healthy, I would expect those snaps to shift back to him.
In a way, Tomlin is correct with his logic. Dotson hasn’t earned anything yet as a second-year player. Despite being considered rising stars and key starters this season, second-year players Alex Highsmith and Chase Claypool both have been played extensively so far despite the role they are expected to take on. Dotson will have to do the same, and now that he is healthy, he should have that opportunity.
If anything, this should be seen as a good sign for a player like Coward. He has seen a lot of reps in camp and has clearly been holding his own. No, that doesn’t mean he will start in week one, but it means the Steelers could have a capable backup along the interior of the line. Considering Turner’s long history of injuries, having a player that could start in the short term in Coward is only a good thing.
The offseason news hasn’t been great for Dotson so far, but both of the issues surrounding him seem like they aren’t overly concerning for this upcoming season. If Dotson doesn’t get onto the first team in the next few weeks this will be well worth addressing. Until then, expect Dotson to earn some first-year snaps for the Steelers sooner than later. As well, be excited by the prospect of Coward developing on this roster during the season, as the team could use another talented lineman.