The Pittsburgh Steelers are in need of a center following the retirement Maurkice Pouncey, but their solution could be in-house.
Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex believes guard David DeCastro could transition to center, freeing up the club to draft the best offensive lineman available in this week’s draft.
“I would not be surprised at all if we moved DeCastro to center,” Essex said.
Hear me out on this…..I would not be surprised at all if we moved DeCastro to center. Maybe make some room to draft a guard like say…..Vera-Tucker 🤷🏾♂️ #IJS #Food4Thought #NFLDraft
— Trai Essex (@TraiDay79) April 26, 2021
Essex also believes the move would extend DeCastro’s career as well. Still just a 31-year-old, DeCastro is a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro selection.
Lengthen
— Trai Essex (@TraiDay79) April 26, 2021
While mainly centers and tackles have been projected to the Steelers in the first round, Essex suggests they should pursue Southen California offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Vera-Tucker projects as a guard, but he has shown the versatility to play tackle as well. He earned First-Team All-Pac 12 honors playing left tackle a season ago.
The 2021 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday, April 29 in Cleveland.