Currently, the Pittsburgh Steelers have two offensive linemen vying to replace Isaac Seumalo as the team\u2019s starting left guard along the offensive line: Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman. Mike McCarthy hopes to expand the competition. Speaking to reporters Monday, McCarthy outlined his future vision for the position.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we\u2019ve got really good veteran competition,\u201d he said via Steelers.com\u2019s Teresa Varley.<\/a> \u201cIt\u2019s a group that I\u2019d obviously like to add some young guys to that role. And really, I feel like I can say that throughout our whole roster. I thought we did a good job getting players, so we can add through the draft. You cannot have enough good players.\u201d<\/p>\n Anderson is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Pittsburgh\u2019s seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, he has primarily been a backup. He has also spot-started when injuries, especially to Seumalo, have happened.<\/p>\n Last year, Anderson held a key role as a sixth offensive lineman and formed a unique duo, aligned next to TE Darnell Washington. He finished second league-wide in \u201ctackle-eligible\u201d snaps.<\/p>\n Hoffman reunites with McCarthy after spending several seasons together in Dallas. Inked to a one-year deal, Hoffman offers interior versatility. He has mostly played center, but he has over 100 NFL snaps, preseason and regular season, at left guard. A rugged run blocker, Hoffman could fit into Pittsburgh\u2019s system.<\/p>\n Clearly, McCarthy isn\u2019t keeping it a two-man race. Pittsburgh seems certain to draft a guard sooner rather than later. That could come as early as the first round. Penn State\u2019s Olaivavega Ioane falling to No. 21<\/a> would be similar to Stanford\u2019s David DeCastro dropping to the Steelers in 2012. From a grade and talent perspective, he\u2019d be difficult to pass.<\/p>\n If the Steelers don\u2019t address the position on Thursday night, Rounds 2-3 could be the sweet spot. This year\u2019s draft offers plenty of guard depth: Oregon\u2019s Emmanuel Pregnon, Texas A&M\u2019s Chase Bisontis, Georgia Tech\u2019s Keylan Rutledge, and Notre Dame\u2019s Bill Schrauth are just some options, and that\u2019s without considering tackle-conversions like Iowa\u2019s Gennings Dunker and Boise State\u2019s Kage Casey.<\/p>\n