Steelers cap off strong 2023 draft class with athletic OL Spencer Anderson

What a crazy three-day stretch it was for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fans who tuned in witnessed the stars align with just about every selection, as Omar Khan is already being praised for a remarkably strong 2023 draft class on paper.

After taking Broderick Jones, Joey Porter Jr., and Keeanu Benton with his first three picks, Khan found some excellent value in players like TE Darnell Washington, LB Nick Herbig, and CB Cory Trice. With their final selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Maryland offensive lineman, Spencer Anderson.

Anderson was a true Swiss army knife at Maryland -- playing anything from tackle to guard to center. Though it's unclear at this time where the Steelers will intend to play him, we do know that they have a need for a backup center, and Anderson fits the bill.

Where does Spencer Anderson fit on Steelers offense?

Anderson has a prototype build for an NFL center with the athletic traits to boot. At 6'5'' and 309 pounds with over 32'' arms, Anderson has a frame that's nearly identical to Maurkice Pouncey coming out of Florida back in 2010.

As an athlete, Anderson's numbers were through the roof. The versatile offensive lineman posted a 5.18 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine to go with a 9'5'' broad jump. The collection of his impressive numbers helped him test as a 93rd percentile athlete, according to his Relative Athletic Score.

Despite his terrific athletic traits and position flexibility, it's important to temper expectations here. Though Anderson has an NFL skill set on paper, the Steelers are simply trying to find players who can make their roster at this point.

If Anderson is viewed as a guard or tackle, that's going to be much more difficult. At guard, the Steelers are currently very deep with players like Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels, Nate Herbig, Kevin Dotson, and even Kendrick Green (who is likely to get bumped off the roster).

In terms of tackles, the Steelers added Broderick Jones in the first round while players like Dan Moore Jr., Chukwuma Okorafor, and new free agent signing, Le'Raven Clark, are all under contract.
However, if the Steelers view him as a potential backup center, Anderson will have a chance to carve out a roster spot and stick around. He projects as a developmental interior offensive lineman.

Spencer Anderson did not rank high on the consensus board and some NFL Draft experts thought he would be a priority free agent, but Pittsburgh liked him enough to snag him at the tail end of the draft with the 251st overall pick.