Grading each starter on Steelers offensive line during the 2021 season

Steelers 2021 offensive guard grades

Trai Turner

David DeCastro declaring himself unable to continue his career due to nagging injuries caught the Steelers flat-footed. The 5 time Pro Bowl player, Trai Turner, was brought in to bring some veteran stability to the line. Turner has been plagued by injuries in recent years and he isn’t the player he used to be. Still, he’s one the best offensive linemen the Steelers have. In 772 Snaps played he has 3 Penalties and 2 Sacks allowed. His PFF Grade, overall, is 67.5 (27th of 80 OGs) with 71.5 pass blocking and 64.7 run blocking.

Grade: D+

Kevin Dotson

I really hated this pick in the 4th Rd of the 2020 Draft. I thought Dotson looked out of shape, was top-heavy, and struggled if he had to change direction. The player who took the field in 2020 when David DeCastro went out with an injury wasn’t the same guy. He was trim and strong. He’d obviously taken advantage of the Steelers outstanding strength and conditioning program. Dotson looked like a set and forget player at right guard.

This year, there were reports he’d let his conditioning slide and he’s got a gut, again. Still, he’s not a bad player and may still have starter potential at right guard. I don’t think he’s left guard material, however. In 565 snaps he has 5 Penalties and 3 Sacks allowed. Dotson’s PFF grade is 64.1 overall with 78.3 pass blocking and 60.2 run blocking, placing him 37th of 80 OGs.

Grade: D+