Steelers Draft Profile & Interview: OL McClendon Curtis
Story & Interview by Host of "The Sick Podcast - Steelers Crazy" and Co-Founder of Yinzer Crazy, Mike Nicastro. Follow him on Twitter @MikedUpSports1
The Steelers have stumbled upon many small-school diamonds in the rough throughout their recent draft history regarding the offensive line. Regardless of how you feel about Kevin Dotson (Louisiana) and Chuks Okorafor (Western Michigan), I’d argue they’ve overperformed given where they were selected, late 4th round and late 3rd round, respectively.
Unfortunately, quite often in the world of professional sports, your time just runs out. Ironically, the player I’m profiling today is someone I think would be a great replacement for Dotson or Okorafor, who have run their course with the Steelers.
McClendon Curtis from Chattanooga is a small-school kid with a big-time game. I’ll get into how he would fit the Steelers shortly, but first I encourage you to watch/listen to this interview with Curtis, as he discusses his interactions with Mike Tomlin at the combine, and much more. (And no, his name is not backwards - I promise!)
Weighing in at 6’6, 340, Curtis is a behemoth of a man who offers position flexibility. In 2021, he played right guard, and performed admirably - allowing only 3 quarterback hurries, and 2 sacks.
His play warranted a move to left tackle last season, and boy did it pay off in spades. Curtis was one of just ten offensive lineman prospects in the country to allow zero sacks in 2022. Yes, zero - while playing in every game. That list includes projected 1st rounders Broderick Jones from Georgia, and Darnell Wright out of Tennessee.
His performance at the Senior Bowl in Mobile a few weeks ago also certainly opened a lot of eyes. If he wasn’t on the radar to be one of the top guards selected in this class, he is now. Next, he’ll take his rightful place at the combine next week, looking to once again grow his stock. My projection for Curtis is that he will ultimately be a Guard in the league. Kicking him inside gives him the best chance to reach his full potential. But it's certainly a big time advantage to have someone who can play both tackle and guard.
Make it two years in a row Chattanooga offensive linemen have looked good at the #SeniorBowl. Last year it was Cole Strange and this year it’s McClendon Curtis; he was even winning outside at offensive tackle today. pic.twitter.com/KwnYtPmCE8
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) February 2, 2023
He’s got a mean streak, but as you currently listen to the show, he’s also incredibly smart, and has a personality that doesn’t match his play on the field. He’s light hearted, funny, and incredibly humble.
So how does he fit the Steelers? Well, I’m anticipating that there will be two starting offensive lineman from last season who will be demoted this year. My best guess - Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle, and Kevin Dotson at left guard.
My projected round for Curtis is mid-late second round, and provided the black and gold are still in the market for a mauler at that point, I’ll be rooting for them to select the Chattanooga stud at pick 49 in round 2.
Make sure you watch our full interview to help get to know Curtis, who could potentially be blocking for Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris in the future.
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