The Pittsburgh Steelers concluded the NFL Draft the way they started it: by taking an offensive lineman.
With their second selection of the seventh round Saturday, No. 251 overall, the Steelers took Maryland’s Spencer Anderson.
His selection bookends with left tackle Broderick Jones, who was chosen by the Steelers with the No. 14 overall pick of the first round.
A 6-foot-5, 320-pound redshirt senior, Anderson started games at every spot on Maryland’s offensive line. He was a three-year starter for the Terrapins, making five career starts at center, 11 at right tackle and 12 times during the 2022 season at right guard. He said he also has started a game at left guard.
“I feel like (my versatility) helps a lot,” Anderson said. “At the NFL level, snaps are limited, seasons are limited when you are stuck at one position. Me adding the versatility to the team is definitely a bonus when teams travel with seven or eight linemen.
“It’s always good when you can help at all five spots on the offensive line.”
Anderson said he practiced at center during the Shrine Bowl all-star game. The Steelers are without a backup center after J.C. Hassenauer signed with the New York Giants, although they do have some linemen with experience at the position.
“I’ve always got a ball in my hand, it’s something I practice,” Anderson said. “I value that flexibility. They say your best ability is availability. Behind that is versatility.”
