Can Kendrick Green successfully switch from guard to center? It worked for Dermontti Dawson

[BlackAndGold]

Dermontti Dawson never played center other than on the scout team at the University of Kentucky. After being a second-round draft choice of the Steelers in 1988, he started five games at right guard, his college position, his rookie season in the NFL.

But, during the offseason, coach Chuck Noll called him into the office and told Dawson he was being switched to center. He was going to replace nine-time Pro Bowler Mike Webster, who was released following the 1988 season.

“I had no problem,” Dawson said. “I just remember when the media got hold of it everyone asked me, ‘Do you think you will be a good center, you’re following Mike Webster?’ I said just give it time and we’ll go from there.”

The Steelers can only hope the latest player to transition from college guard to NFL center — rookie Kendrick Green — works out so well.

Beginning in 1989, Dawson started 166 consecutive games, was named first-team All-Pro six times, voted to seven Pro Bowls and became acclaimed as the NFL’s first pulling center. His career landed him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame alongside Webster — making the Steelers one of only two teams to have two centers enshrined.

“It’s amazing to have that success at center following Mike and Mike making into the Hall of Fame and then me following him,” Dawson said the other day on the phone from his home in San Diego, where he has lived for 11 years. “That’s almost unheard of.”

Continue reading here: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/...s/202105170016

[Steel Peon]

This is very interesting at least, and might prove to be a good litmus test in regards to the prior example set by Dawson, who came from a different era under a different coach.

[teegre]

Green was on Twitter asking about where to eat in Pittsburgh… “beside Premanti’s”

Banner replied, “It’s Primanti’s… rookie.”

Primanti Bros. replied/gave Banner free sandwiches for life.

[Born2Steel]

That's a lot of sandwiches.

[86WARD]

Green was on Twitter asking about where to eat in Pittsburgh… “beside Premanti’s”

Banner replied, “It’s Primanti’s… rookie.”

Primanti Bros. replied/gave Banner free sandwiches for life.

Lol

[Hawkman]

Gotta love Banner!

[tube517]

Green was on Twitter asking about where to eat in Pittsburgh… “beside Premanti’s”

Banner replied, “It’s Primanti’s… rookie.”

Primanti Bros. replied/gave Banner free sandwiches for life.

Zach is ready to haze the rookies especially on the o-line lol. He also nearly frightened Najee when they met lol

[pczach]

Zach is ready to haze the rookies especially on the o-line lol. He also nearly frightened Najee when they met lol

Even in the NFL, there are some guys that are just different. Banner is a humongous human being.

I remember meeting Eagles tackle Tre Thomas. He was an unbelievably large man. I felt like a small child next to him!

[Fire Goodell]

Green was on Twitter asking about where to eat in Pittsburgh… “beside Premanti’s”

Banner replied, “It’s Primanti’s… rookie.”

Primanti Bros. replied/gave Banner free sandwiches for life.

I dunno if that's a good thing, don't want him to transform into jamain stephens lol

i remember the time i had a sandwich there, i was literally full for the next 24 hours. I didn't each breakfast or lunch the next day because I was still full

[Hawkman]

Even in the NFL, there are some guys that are just different. Banner is a humongous human being.

I remember meeting Eagles tackle Tre Thomas. He was an unbelievably large man. I felt like a small child next to him!

I remember meeting “Big Snack” at the James Farrior Foundation weekend here in Richmond. (Summer after the SB win against AZ). He was at every food station on the golf course. They must have customized a helmet for him, because I have never seen a head that big. Really funny man. Everyone was trying to get him to hit a golf ball, he said, “I use to play, but since I’ve lost all this weight, I’ve lost all my distance”. Everyone lost it.

[Fire Goodell]

I remember meeting “Big Snack” at the James Farrior Foundation weekend here in Richmond. (Summer after the SB win against AZ). He was at every food station on the golf course. They must have customized a helmet for him, because I have never seen a head that big. Really funny man. Everyone was trying to get him to hit a golf ball, he said, “I use to play, but since I’ve lost all this weight, I’ve lost all my distance”. Everyone lost it.

Casey Hampton's head looks like a watermelon lol

[teegre]

Zach is ready to haze the rookies especially on the o-line lol. He also nearly frightened Najee when they met lol

BANNER: Welcome to the Steelers.

NAJEE: Dang… that’s a BIG dude.

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I dunno if that's a good thing, don't want him to transform into jamain stephens lol

i remember the time i had a sandwich there, i was literally full for the next 24 hours. I didn't each breakfast or lunch the next day because I was still full

I know I’m not alone in saying this…

Primanti’s is OVERRATED!!!

Give me Peppi’s.
Give me a pepperoni roll from Mancini’s.

[Fire Goodell]

Give me Peppi’s.
Give me a pepperoni roll from Mancini’s.

I tried the Roethlisburger at Peppi's. Same story, full till dinner time the next day lol. those things must have 5000 calories

[hawaiiansteeler]

[Fire Goodell]

I'm hoping he can move bodies. Being able to get to the 2nd level in a hurry is real nice, but if you lose at the point of attack it's all for nothing

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I'm hoping he can move bodies. Being able to get to the 2nd level in a hurry is real nice, but if you lose at the point of attack it's all for nothing

The reality of the NFL is that the guys on the defensive side of the line are just as good, just as big, just as strong. Moving bodies really means getting leverage under a guy to move him25-50 inches in most cases. Just like fans talk about "opening holes" on the offensive line, when its really more of "sealing up creases or seams" for the RB's to run.

Green will be quick in getting leverage on defenders and depending on the blocking schemes that the offensive playbook calls for, he will be at an advantage in pulling in space or getting 2nd level on combination blocks. The one thing is getting overpowered by larger guys in the A gaps and in pass protection, but I think his quick feet will help in pass pro. I just dont know if you count on running 4th and 1 A gap, which isnt a big deal IMO.