Steelers Rookie 7th-Rounder Spencer Anderson Discloses Where He's Seen Most Of His Snaps This Summer

As we’ve come to know, the Pittsburgh Steelers love their connections to the University of Maryland. Along with Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada, they have drafted several Maryland products over the past few years. Maryland isn’t exactly a powerhouse, so it’s become a notable observation. That continued this year, as the Steelers selected offensive lineman Spencer Anderson in the seventh round (251st overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Anderson became the fifth Terrapin to be selected by Pittsburgh in the last eight drafts. Alongside the rookie, running back Anthony McFarland Jr. remains on the team (for now) as former Terrapins. McFarland is in a competition for the No. 3 running back spot with undrafted free agent Alfonzo Graham. Anderson played basically every spot along the offensive line in college, and his versatility was one of his main strengths heading into the draft. It appears as if they are using him in the same way so far in Pittsburgh.

The rookie seventh-rounder appeared on our SteelerNation.com Three Point Stance podcast with former Steelers and Terrapins offensive tackle, Dee Gray, along with co-host Kaleb Everhart. They talked about several topics, including Anderson’s adjustment to the NFL so far, as he’s now gone through OTAs and minicamp. He gave a tidbit on the position that he’s mainly playing for the black and gold so far:

"I have worked on my snaps [under center] post-practice, but I've mainly been taking right tackle reps, a little bit of right guard too. I'm primarily focusing on tackle right now, but at the end of the day, still working on my snaps, still working on guard," Anderson said on the Three Point Stance.

The easiest, most likely path to the 53-man roster seemed to be the backup center position for Anderson. Behind starter Mason Cole, that position is a bit of a question mark. JC Hassenauer was the primary backup for the past three seasons, which included three starts, but he signed with the New York Giants in free agency. Ryan McCollum and Trevor Downing are the two names to watch to replace Hassenauer.

Steelers rookie Anderson's versatility helps roster chances

Even Kendrick Green, who enters his third NFL season, remains an option. It seemed like the team would try Anderson there and while they have, it appears as if they want him as a right tackle. Unfortunately, that may make his path to making the Week 1 roster a bit more difficult. As he mentioned, he's seen snaps at guard and under center still, which should add to his value. 

Chukwuma Okorafor, whom Anderson said has taken him under his wing, is the starting right tackle. With Broderick Jones set to eventually take over at left tackle, Dan Moore Jr. has also seen reps at right tackle this summer. Moore figures to be the backup tackle, and it’s unlikely the team will carry four on the active roster. Then again, Anderson’s versatility could greatly help him to make it as a possible eighth or ninth lineman on the squad. 

In his collegiate career, he played all over the place. In 2022, he settled in at right guard, as he started 12 of the 13 games there. At the very least, the Maryland product will probably end up on the practice squad. Anderson will have a chance to prove himself at training camp, which is something he is looking forward to. While he said he hasn't had his 'welcome to the NFL' moment yet, he expects that to happen at training camp in Latrobe.

Who do you think will end up being Pittsburgh's backup center in 2023? Do you think Anderson will end up making the 53-man roster? Does he have a realistic shot of making the roster as a right tackle?