‘Chip on Shoulder’ Keeping Kelvin Beachum at Left Tackle

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

"(Beachum) is a mentally tough guy who carries a chip on his shoulder. He’s been told he’s not good enough to do a lot of different things, and yet he tries to prove everybody wrong and has to this point. I just love having him on our side, a great guy to work with.–Todd Haley (via Mike Prisuta, Steelers.com)"

I will be the first to admit that I had my doubts regarding whether Kelvin Beachum could man the left tackle spot on a long-term basis for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although I was extremely confident that Beachum would develop into a solid player at center, either guard spot or right tackle, his short arms (32.5″) and smaller frame (6’3″ 303 lbs.) definitely worried me.

While those deficiencies have been exploited by some opponents since he transitioned to the left side, Beachum’s terrific technique and underrated agility have helped him to keep opposing defenders in check since he stepped into the starting lineup for Mike Adams and Levi Brown in Week 6 against the New York Jets.

With his steady development, heady play and versatility, Beachum has become one of Pittsburgh’s most pleasant surprises on the offensive side of the ball this season. Members of his coaching staff like Haley seem to be pleased with his play, and the second-year offensive lineman seems to only reach new heights and exceed expectations on a weekly basis.

Even if the Steelers’ brass elect to go in a different direction at left tackle upcoming draft, I believe that Beachum has done well enough in his stop-gap audition to at least compete for a starting job on the blind-side next fall. If a tackle is selected to compete with Beachum, then I hope that guy will ready for one heated positional battle with the team’s Swiss Army knife.

Until those potential events occur though, the left tackle gig seems to be Beachum’s to lose.

So kudos, Kelvin. I hope that you can keep proving people like me incorrect. Most of all, I hope that you are able to emerge as a long-term option on the blind-side for your Pro Bowl quarterback.

Stats & Contract Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com , Spotrac and Pro Football Reference

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