The Steelers generally love to develop their rookie players slowly once they're drafted. This season seems to be much different in regards to Kevin Dotson and Chase Claypool. They have shown to be more polished than the Steelers thought when drafting them. Both DeCastro, Wisniewski, and Banner went down with injuries leaving the Steelers offensive line decimated. The Steelers had no choice, but to throw Dotson to the wolves. It was always Dotson's dream to guard for Ben Roethlisberger and finally, it came true this season.
Kevin Dotson is named the best pass-blocking guard in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus. He has faced Fletcher Cox and Sheldon Richardson in back to back weeks as a Rookie for the Steelers. Dotson has performed perfectly in weeks 1, 2, and 5 in regards to blocking. During the Browns game, he only lost one rep out of 25 pass-blocking reps. In his career, he has 92 pass-blocking reps and has only lost two reps according to Pro Football Focus. He also matched Cleveland Browns first-round pick (Jedrick Wills Jr) on Sunday in pass protection. Not only that in 72 pass-blocking snaps Dotson hasn't allowed a sack. These are incredible numbers for Rookie Kevin Dotson.
Through 5 weeks the Rookie has produced monster numbers on the offensive line filling in a void the Steelers needed and then some. The Steelers will have a hard time keeping some players next season because they're strapped with cap. So look for Dotson to possibly start next season because Matt Feiler will be a free agent after this season. He could certainly fill a spot on the offensive line with ease.