Two Young Steelers Offensive Linemen Catching Mike Tomlin’s Eye

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers have looked to rework their entire offensive line, from the top of the depth chart to the bottom. However, for a while now, the team needed. to get young guys to fill those depth spots that could develop into their dependable nucleus. Now, they might have it.

Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook made the final 53-man roster, and both players have earned it through versatility. Cook plays four spots, all but center, while Anderson plays all five of those spots. Both got better throughout training camp, culminating in the Falcons game where they put the finishing marks on a solid summer. Mike Tomlin saw it from Cook, who got better over time.

“Not only quality play, but versatility. I think versatility is a component of decision making, and guys like Dylan (Cook) and Spencer (Anderson) showed position flexibility,” Tomlin said. “He (Cook) got continually better. He kind of got on a moving train in terms of when we acquired him, and I like to see guys acclimate themselves to an ongoing developmental group. And he did that nicely. And particularly down the stretch, he really showed position flexibility.”

It is hard to get up to speed quickly. For Anderson, center Mason Cole helped him learn all five spots quickly, especially once he started repping at center. With Cook, he confided in offensive line coach Pat Meyer, who has gradually worked with him on his technique. As an outside-hand puncher, T.J. Watt and others have started attacking that first. It is unorthodox in the NFL, but Cook has little experience, and Meyer wanted to make him comfortable. He is starting to mix in his inside hand as his first punching hand, slowly bringing that into his game. His close sessions with Meyer have helped him. As for Anderson, Cole talks to him every day after practice to catch him up to speed and work on anything he wants to for the day.

“Mason is one of those guys that I’ll be thinking about a question in my head, and he’ll always be willing to help if I ask,” Anderson said. “He always explains why we do something and we have the same kind of mind frame.”

For Tomlin, the commonality between these two overlaps around two essential traits. For one, the versatility to work up front at multiple positions. Tomlin and the Steelers value that on the offensive line for their depth players. In the past, Chris Hubbard and B.J. Finney became the poster children for that type of versatility on the offensive line. The second trait is continual improvement, which Anderson and Cook showcased over training camp. Both players were still on the upswing when their final contest against the Atlanta Falcons hit their peak.

Anderson and Cook have baseline athletic traits Pittsburgh looks for in these versatile players, with Cook being a converted quarterback who can move well for his size. Even after trading Kevin Dotson and Kendrick Green, Pittsburgh should feel like they have quality depth along the offensive line. The tape in the preseason shows Cook and Anderson appear ready to embrace the role as depth linemen.