Steelers believe all-American guard Kevin Dotson will fit in well on their line

On his way to becoming a first-team All-American as part of a team that would finish 11-3 and win its division in its conference, Kevin Dotson probably didn’t need much more to intimidate the defensive linemen he lined up against in the Sun Belt.

But Dotson, the guard the Pittsburgh Steelers took in the fourth round Saturday, engaged in some psychological warfare anyway. And his trash-talking was of an unconventional and highly demoralizing fashion.

“It was more of a intimidation-type thing,” explained Dotson, a four-year starter for the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns. “I feel like I can win any play that I do. So, I’ll tell them the play.”

Wait – the 6-4, 310-pound Dotson would… tell the opponent the play his offense was running?

“If I tell you the play,” Dotson said, “and you still can’t stop it — it hurts your morale way more.”

That was a peek inside the personality of the player taken No. 135 overall, one who will join a Steelers offensive line position room that is finally beginning to turn itself over after years of virtually the same faces.

Louisiana OG Kevin Dotson finding a way to get some work in during the quarantine. pic.twitter.com/d2qOYuabMy

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) April 1, 2020

Dotson has the sound of a player who would have fit well in with the group in recent years. Similar to a Maurkice Pouncey or Ramon Foster, he is gregarious and fun-loving off the field, but a mean player on it.

“Just from what I heard about this kid, there’s nothing negative,” offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett said.

“I kept trying to find someone to say something negative about the kid — and I couldn’t find it.”

Dotson started 52 consecutive games during his time at Louisiana-Lafayette, where this past year he lined up next to Miami Dolphins second-round pick Robert Hunt.

Dotson said he was a left tackle when he first arrived on campus for a redshirt year but first moved to right tackle before settling in at guard. He hasn’t played center but drilled there some during draft preparations. Sarrett said the Steelers will work with him to see if he can learn the position.

U LA RT Robert Hunt and RG Kevin Dotson are both legit NFL players More than held their own vs SEC comp (MSU) early this year. Dotson can dominate with his upper body and also move, while Hunt is solid in pass pro and possesses mobility, as well. #SnapScout pic.twitter.com/lKqYio2rML

— Chad Reuter (@chad_reuter) December 26, 2019

The Steelers have perennial Pro Bowlers in Pouncey (center) and David DeCastro (right guard) starting on their interior offensive line. But longtime left guard Foster retired. While it is expected that either free agent signee Stefan Wisniewski or converted tackle Matt Feiler will take over for Foster, Sarrett did not rule out the possibility of Dotson winning the job.

“He’s a really big man with great lift and a very good athlete,” Sarrett said. “And what really showed up on his tape is he’s a people mover. This guy can move (defenders). He’s got all the stuff we’re looking for.”

Dotson was the first player selected in the draft who was not invited to the February combine. He was a standout at the East-West Shrine all-star game.

Hey, Steelers Nation, get the latest news about the Pittsburgh Steelers here.