The Pittsburgh Steelers are using a smart approach to address their offensive line, adding depth with IOL Brock Hoffman. Today, I wanted to see statistically how things have gone and what he could bring to Pittsburgh.
First, here are Hoffman’s PFF blocking grades since his rookie 2023 season, along with the 2025 Steelers IOL for some context:
So, we can see that Hoffman isn’t an “all-star” who will be handed a starting job. The downside of the grades was landing well below average in 2023 and last season. Yes, it’s always good to take stats as one piece of the puzzle. But in 2024, Hoffman and McCarthy’s last season together, he landed closer to the strongest Steelers of the last three seasons. That’s encouraging.
Perhaps he fits McCarthy’s scheme. Following a regression last year, hopefully, he can rekindle stronger play as he reunites with his old head coach. This would be big after losing veteran Isaac Seumalo in free agency. Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick are young players trending in the right direction. Here’s to hoping Hoffman follows a similar path.
While they have been used differently, we see G/T-eligible Spencer Anderson graded better, particularly in 2025 and at pass blocking. Meanwhile, Ryan McCollum’s (who also re-signed) lone qualifying 2024 season suggests Hoffman will be a clear upgrade.
Some other attractive parts of Hoffman’s career to date are limiting mistakes, such as penalties. Other examples come from another stat source, Sports Info Solutions (SIS). This visual shows blown block rates, along with their points earned per snap metric (player’s EPA responsibility per play):
Again, Hoffman doesn’t top the chart. But landing just behind Steelers starters for the most part, and more consistently than most depth players, is good to see. Most specifically, he has a much better blown-block rate than Anderson, who has the two worst results on the chart of 4.0 percent or more. For those who suggested giving Anderson a shot at starting guard, we see another example of Pittsburgh adding depth being the smarter move.
As the roster sits today, Frazier and McCormick are obviously starters on the interior OL. At left guard, young players with some experience will create competition. The Steelers will likely address the position early in the 2026 draft. Hopefully, their selection will be another hit, forming a young and successful trio moving forward.
Another attractive part of improving OL depth is allowing Anderson to continue being tackle-eligible, where he had success in 2025, while Hoffman can cover swing IOL as the primary backup. This signing makes sense on paper; let’s hope it unfolds just as well.