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6 potential new starters on the Steelers offensive line in 2021

By Devan Penman

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (third from left) talks with offensive lineman guard Ramon Foster (73) and center Maurkice Pouncey (53) and guard David DeCastro (66) and tackle Matt Feiler (71) and tackle Alejandro Villanueva (78) on the sidelines against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Buffalo won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (third from left) talks with offensive lineman guard Ramon Foster (73) and center Maurkice Pouncey (53) and guard David DeCastro (66) and tackle Matt Feiler (71) and tackle Alejandro Villanueva (78) on the sidelines against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Buffalo won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Steelers
J.C. Hassenauer #60 of the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images) /

J.C. Hassanuer: Center

He was the backup for Pouncey last season and did a great job in the 15 games he fulfilled the role. Center is the most important position of the entire Offensive Line because they set the tone for each play coming from the snap of the football, and as Ben only got sacked 13 times, the lowest ever in his entire NFL career, the stats show how much of an effect his performance led to all of last season. By weight, he is just as big as Pouncey between 294 – 302 pounds. So by strength and power, there is not much of a difference between the two, just losing a veteran does hurt the experience level that will return eventually.

Kevin Dotson: Left guard

Selected In the 4th Round of the 2020 NFL Draft from the University of Louisiana, he is 6ft 4 in and weighs 320 pounds. Last season he initially started his first NFL game against the Denver Broncos until going on the COVID reserve list. Much like JC, his performance led to Ben not taking a lot of sacks. Based on what scouts found about him at his Pro Day, as long as his endurance is at his best or better, he can hold blocks to open up the holes and protect Ben in the inside gaps.

Trai Turner: Right guard

An alum of the Southeastern Conference, you can expect the same amount of power, strength, endurance, and enthusiasm like Hassanuer. Being drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 2014 NFL Draft and has played for the Chargers, he has 7 years worth of experience at the position giving Pittsburgh some veterans on the Line of Scrimmage.  Turner does have a couple of Pro Bowl appearances to back it up and has the same weight and girth as Dotson as well.