The Pittsburgh Steelers earned rave reviews for their impressive work at the 2023 NFL Draft. Now, their attention officially shifts to starting to prepare for the 2023 season. That begins with rookie minicamp that takes place at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex later this week, followed by OTA's. The minicamp is designed to give more opportunities to guys trying to make it into the NFL, specifically some recent undrafted free agents.
Eric Miller / University of Minnesota Athletics
Steelers newest quarterback Tanner Morgan was a record setter in his five years at Minnesota.
A lot of the invites have been reported, including Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan as the most notable one. The team still does not have a third quarterback, so Morgan has a realistic shot to stay with the team for awhile if he performs well. The Steelers have dipped into the XFL pool recently as well, starting with impressive playmaker Hakeem Butler.
Congrats to Dacquari Wilson on his invite to the Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie Minicamp. #AggiePride | #AggiesDo pic.twitter.com/8D74wu9xAJ
— Aggie Pride (@NCATFootball) May 8, 2023
They aren't done there, as it was announced last week that offensive tackle Chidi Okeke was invited to Pittsburgh's minicamp. Okeke most recently played for the San Antonio Brahmas in the XFL. On Monday morning, North Carolina A&T center Dacquari Wilson came out as another name that will be at minicamp. Based off a few of those invites, it's clear the front office isn't done looking at offensive linemen.
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Steelers OL Mason Cole proved to be a crucial addition in 2022, as he stepped up and performed quite well at center.
While Omar Khan and Andy Weidl did a phenomenal job revitalizing the line this offseason, there is still room for improvement. Most specifically, the center position lacks much depth. 27-year-old Mason Cole will start in 2023, but the depth behind him is unclear. James Daniels has some experience at center, but he settled in nicely as the team's right guard in 2022. Offseason signee Nate Herbig has some experience there as well.
Neither of those guys seem like a primary backup at the position though, as JC Hassenauer signed with the New York Giants. The Steelers did select Spencer Anderson out of Maryland in the seventh round of the recent draft. He has the flexibility to play all over the line, but center seems to be his primary position in the NFL. If that pans out, it will work out perfectly.
It's important to remember though that he's a seventh-rounder, so he's far from a guarantee to even make the 53-man roster. If he fails to, he has a good shot to end up on the practice squad, but that still doesn't solve the backup center spot on the active roster. Ryan McCollum is another center on the team that will have a chance to compete for that backup role.
NFL Draft Diamonds
Steelers seventh-rounder Spencer Anderson will get a legitimate shot to compete for the backup center position.
Essentially, it seems like the Steelers are just trying to throw multiple fish in the pond, hoping that one of them comes out as the clear winner. Between McCollum, Anderson, and now the invite given to Wilson, they are trying to find their next Hassenauer. The team has had success in the past in trying to find some gems at rookie minicamp, so Wilson most certainly is a guy to keep an eye on.
Who do you think will end up winning the backup center job in Pittsburgh? Which of the rookie minicamp players are you most intrigued by? Where are the biggest remaining weaknesses on this roster? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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