Kelvin Beachum’s Versatility Being Tested Already
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
I have to give an immense amount of credit to Kelvin Beachum. For a guy selected near the end of the 7th round in the 2012 NFL Draft, the former S.M.U. Mustang has developed into an extremely versatile offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Kelvin Beachum: Pittsburgh’s “Swiss army knife”
The Steelers’ offensive line has been decimated by injuries and hurt by poor play during the last two seasons, and Beachum’s versatility has definitely been put to the test this fall.
Through Pittsburgh’s first four games of the 2013 regular season, Beachum has played four of the five offensive line positions (left tackle, left guard, center, and right tackle) and even tight end.
After working exclusively as a blocking tight end before Pittsburgh’s opening game against the Titans, Beachum played almost the entirety of that contest at center after Maurkice Pouncey was lost due to an injury.
When the team inked Fernando Velasco the following week to play center, Beachum filled in at the tight end, right tackle, and left tackle spots during Pittsburgh’s second and third games. On Sunday, after a stint early in the game at left tackle, Kelvin was substituted in at left guard when Ramon Foster was pulled due to a pectoral injury.
Where Can Beachum Help the Most?
Because Foster did not tear his pectoral and only sprained it, Beachum will probably receive the most chances to contribute on a consistent basis at either one of the tackle positions.
Mike Adams has been a turnstile on the blind-side through the first four games, while Marcus Gilbert has not inspired much faith on the right either.
Beachum, a left tackle in college and with five starts under his belt at right tackle as a rookie, has filled in for both players already this fall, and could very well be primed to take over as a starter at either position if both of them fail to improve.
Final Thoughts
It is not a stretch to say that Pittsburgh’s “Swiss army knife” has been more than a “team player” during the team’s first four games, and Beachum’s ability to step in wherever he has been needed is a testament to his versatility.
I am certainly intrigued to see where else Beachum plays during Pittsburgh’s final 12 games especially since right guard is the only position in the offensive trenches he has not played during the first quarter of the 2013 regular season.
The Steelers should be thankful that they have a player with Beachum’s versatility at their disposal though, and he could very well be called upon to help at a number of different positions by the time this year ends.
Stats & Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com and Pro Football Reference
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