Should The Steelers Turn To Spencer Anderson At Starting Left Guard?

Photo Credit: Jared Wickerham

This past season, one of the biggest revelations for the Pittsburgh Steelers was 2023 seventh‑round pick Spencer Anderson.

The Steelers drafted him late largely because of his versatility, and he showcased it throughout the year. In seven starts and 382 offensive snaps, Anderson played a key role in the team’s success running the football, particularly in former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s jumbo packages.

With veteran Isaac Seumalo likely on the way out, the question becomes: is Spencer Anderson ready to step in as the starting left guard?

Anderson’s strongest argument comes from how quickly he proved he could handle NFL physicality and assignment complexity. When Seumalo went down with injuries, Anderson was thrust into action as a seventh‑round rookie, and he didn’t just survive — he became a stabilizing force in Pittsburgh’s heavy sets. His power, leverage, and processing speed validated the Steelers’ belief that he was a late‑round steal. While he can play multiple positions, his best work came when he was allowed to fire off the ball and create displacement in the run game.

Given former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s commitment to a downhill identity, Anderson’s temperament and skill set align naturally with what the offense wants to be. If the Steelers value continuity, cost‑controlled development, and a scheme fit who has already executed their core concepts, Anderson is the logical internal successor at left guard.

The counterpoint is that spot starts and specialized roles don’t always translate to full‑time interior line play, especially at one of the most technically demanding positions. Anderson’s pass protection still showed rookie inconsistencies, particularly against interior rushers who could threaten both edges of his frame. Even though he didn’t allow a sack last season, his overall pass protection wasn’t yet at the level expected of a full‑time starter. Replacing a veteran like Seumalo requires more than filling snaps — it means anchoring the blind‑side interior, communicating protections, and handling elite AFC North defensive tackles twice a year.

The Steelers will have no shortage of options to replace Seumalo if they decide to move on, whether through the draft or by adding a veteran in free agency under new head coach Mike McCarthy. What’s clear is that Anderson has already outperformed his seventh‑round pedigree, and after what he showed last season, he’s earned a legitimate shot to compete for the starting job.