Steelers 53-man roster prediction: Some notable names miss the cut

Steelers roster predictions: Center

Center (2) - Mason Cole and Spencer Anderson

Mason Cole had a rocky start in 2022 but he stabilized after mid-season. He’s an above-average starter. Kendrick Green totally self-destructed against the Buccaneers. He got blown up and knocked back into Mason Rudolph who saved the play by firing off a completion. The play was negated by a penalty but it was a bad look. Then he got a holding call, followed by a bad snap. He single-handedly caused the Steelers to have a 2nd down and 36 yards. He had bad snaps against the Bills, as well. I’d have no problem consigning Green to the practice squad but he may just end up being cut. 

I’ve been talking up Spencer Anderson to anyone who will listen. I looked at his college film right after the Steelers drafted him and thought he was a capable and versatile lineman. He played well in his first NFL game as the Steelers moved him from RT to RG to LG. He didn’t allow any pressures or sacks in pass protection. He handed off assignments while zone blocking and didn’t fall for any stunts.

They had him move blocking from all those positions which he handled with no missed assignments. He sprang Greg Bell for a good run on an inside pull.

I have to talk about that play. As Anderson pulled and was riding his assignment out of the play, the defender turned his back on him. Instead of letting him go Anderson hooked his arm and continued riding him. The defender complained about it to no avail. That is a crafty veteran move. You really don’t see that much from rookies. Anderson was also blocking on the place-kicking unit. Instead of blocking his guy he just reached out and put both hands on the defender's hips, preventing him from jumping. That’s another move you don’t see from a rookie.

The only mistake I saw him make against the Bucs was reaching for a run block on one play. He lost his balance and ended up on the turf. The run went away from him so it didn’t matter. He had a ‘hands to face’ ticky-tick penalty against Buffalo. Other than that, he’s carried himself like a solid pro.

Anderson has significant experience at center. The Steelers tried him at that position against Buffalo and he didn’t have a single bad snap…not one. Anderson could be the ‘jack of all trades’ the Steelers have been looking for on the O-Line.

Daniels also has extensive center experience. It was his position in college. Although it wouldn’t be ideal, if there was an injury to Cole, Daniels could move over to center and Nate Herbig could man RG. Herbig has also been taking snaps at the position in training camp.