Steelers 2-a-days: Kevin Dotson faces uphill climb; Eric Ebron brings production at TE
Editor’s note: Leading up to a unique Pittsburgh Steelers training camp staged at Heinz Field this year, the Tribune-Review will be running through the team’s 90-man roster, assessing each player’s outlook for the 2020 season. The breakdown will go through the roster, in mostly alphabetical order, two per day, between June 9 and July 23, a day that was originally planned to be reporting day for players to camp. (Contract data courtesy of spotrac.com)
G KEVIN DOTSON
Experience: Rookie
Contract status: Has yet to sign his 4-year entry contract
2020 outlook: Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Dotson’s chance to compete for a starting job at left guard might not be immediate. The Steelers signed veteran Stefen Wisniewski to compete at the position, and right tackle Matt Feiler is a fallback option. The Steelers love Dotson’s raw skills, but with the lack of any on-field offseason workouts, he will enter training camp behind his more seasoned competitors.
Bottom line: At 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, Dotson projects as a pure guard. A two-time all-conference selection and an AP All-American as a senior, Dotson was snubbed by the NFL Scouting Combine, which contributed to his availability in the fourth round. His chance to earn the starting job, however, might have to wait until 2021.
TE ERIC EBRON
Experience: Seventh season
Contract status: $3.5 million cap hit in 2020, Ebron will be a free agent after 2021 season
2020 outlook: Ebron was signed to provide immediate help to a position group whose 408 combined receiving yards in 2019 was the fewest in the NFL. Steelers tight ends combined for 53 catches, which ranked No. 25. Ebron had 66 receptions in 2018, when he scored 13 touchdowns and made the Pro Bowl.
Bottom line: With Ben Roethlisberger returning from right elbow surgery, the Steelers entered the offseason intent on providing him more options, particularly in the red zone. That is where the 6-foot-4, 253-pound Ebron fits in. After injuries cut short his 2019 season after 11 games and 31 catches, the Steelers are counting on him to return to 2018 form.
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Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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