The Steelers traded Kevin Dotson to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night, commencing the shuffling of the board along the offensive line during the cut-down period. Dotson would have made the 53-man roster, but his redundancy and awkward scheme fit made him an expendable player. But who could Pittsburgh want to keep so severely that could fill Dotson’s void?
Two young offensive linemen, Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook, should benefit most from the trade. Anderson can play all five spots along the offensive line, giving Pittsburgh another depth piece along the interior while adding tackle insurance. Cook came into training camp playing only one spot, but by the end, Pittsburgh had him up to speed at three different positions, including left guard. That versatility and solid performances across all three games will get players onto the roster.
Anderson learned quickly, bouncing from each interior spot early on in OTAs to, by the end of the mandatory minicamp, starting to dabble at each tackle spot. While left tackle seems like his weak point regarding reps, Anderson has started focusing closely on the center position. Although Nate Herbig will win the backup center role, Anderson provides insurance. His intelligence and adaptability go a long way toward endearing himself to an NFL coaching staff. Anderson embraced the philosophies and versatility he brings to the table and will reap the benefits of that decision.
Meanwhile, the Steelers allowed Cook to embrace the type of player he can comfortably be with his natural traits. Offensive line coach Pat Meyer allowed Cook to work with his most natural technique with his hands. Cook proved he has excellent athleticism in training camp. The sweet feet he plays with are his most significant attribute. In Tampa Bay, Cook lacked hand usage comfortability. At Montana, they punched with their inside hand first, but with the Buccaneers, they hit with their outside hand. Meyer embraces Cook’s background and allows his tackles to do what they are comfortable with, allowing Cook to find some level of play.
Pittsburgh could only keep eight offensive linemen. In addition, maybe an outside addition at center is on the way into town off the waiver wire. However, the trade should have both young linemen feeling much better about their chances as the roster cut-downs approach rapidly.
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