Kevin Dotson, A BIG advantage for Offensive Line

“His ability to compete for playing time will be etched out as we get to know him and so forth,” coach Mike Tomlin said.

“We like his pedigree. We think he has the type of talent that will allow him to (compete immediately), but he’ll write that story with how he performs."

Since the Coronavirus pandemic has put the NFL season schedule in question, training camp and preseason games could also be pushed back. And those two things, especially camp, will give the 310-pound lineman the chance to compete at left guard.

But it could also depend on what the Steelers offensive line looks like. With Ramon Foster’s retirement and B.J. Finney moving on in free agency, spots open at left guard and the backup interior position.

But the Steelers have already signed veteran, Stefen Wisniewski, for the left guard spot or even fill in now that Finney's gone.

We could also see Matt Feiler at left guard, seeing he had some experience there when Foster was out with an injury against the Los Angeles Rams in 2019.

“Obviously, we’re very comfortable with Matt’s position flexibility,” Tomlin said. “And those are some things that are going to be determined, maybe not by what he brings to the table but maybe by what others around him bring to the table in terms of guard depth or tackle depth.

“He provides us that type of flexibility. We’ve got complete confidence in him, and we’re excited about taking a look at what the young guard has.”

Dotson started 52 consecutive games at Lafayette.

Steelers GM, Kevin Colbert, said Dotson is a “self-made senior."

Offensive line coach, Shaun Sarrett, says he's a “people mover” while describing Dotson’s strength and physicality.

“He is the type of guy when you look at that old-school run game stuff like back in the day when you run through guys, this really flashes on his tape,” Sarrett said.

“The best five will start,” Sarrett said. “I think this guy is realistically that guy who can go in and compete for the spot.”

“Dotson is a guard,” Colbert said. “He hasn’t played any other position, and that’s fine because he’ll be a guard with us.

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