The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly bolstered their offensive line depth by agreeing to a one-year deal with former Dallas Cowboys OL Brock Hoffman Friday evening. An initial report two weeks linking Pittsburgh and Hoffman was retracted and as of this writing, only local beat writer Mark Kaboly confirmed it’s happening now. But assuming this report isn’t retracted, Hoffman will be a Steeler.

So what is Pittsburgh getting? Let’s find out.

Run Blocking

Hoffman is an effective drive blocker in man schemes. His good size at 6034, 302 pounds and 33 1/4-inch arms (as he measured in coming out of Virginia Tech) helps. He can displace and move in the run game, driving his feet to finish blocks. That’s when Hoffman is at his best. Getting vertical, especially on double-teams/combo blocks, to move first-level defenders. Examples. He’s the center, No. 67, in all the below clips.

Hoffman works hard to reach and cut-off on zone blocks, showing adequate quickness and burst out of his stance. On zone runs, he does a nice job to set his hips to seal or carry defensive linemen down the line. Take them where they want to go, as the saying is told.

Negatively, Hoffman is prone to stalemates on single blocks when he can’t get vertical against bigger d-tackles shaded over him. He can hold the point of attack but struggle to truly control it, holding on until the defender sheds as the back tries to run past. Examples.

Pass Protection

In the pass game, Hoffman’s best ability to to anchor and stall out bull rushes. His strength again shines through and he works hard to fit and re-fit his hands with a tight and physical punch. Routinely, he hangs on and rebuffs them.

Where he struggles are on his edges. Hoffman’s prone to getting beat by swipes and swims and finesse moves to get around him instead of through. A recurring issue. He’s also prone to opening up his hips and no longer staying square to the block.

In the screen game, Hoffman displays enough foot speed to get out in space and create lanes. It’s not always pretty but it works, and that’s all that matters. Get in the way, change the angle, and give the back a path.

Hoffman was regularly asked to pop out on play-action and protect off the edge. Pittsburgh’s done that a time or two before, mostly in the Maurkice Pouncey days, but it’s an interesting part of Hoffman’s background and something he seemed competent of doing. He’s also solid in blitz and stunt pickup.

Usage

Over the three NFL seasons Hoffman’s received offensive snaps, his alignments are:

Center: 684
Right Guard: 452
Left Guard: 74

It’s worth noting he has about another 60 left guard snaps in the preseason. In college, Hoffman primarily played center but logged some snaps at left guard and even right tackle. Overall, a versatile interior lineman. He also reunites with Mike McCarthy, who coached him from 2022-2024 in Dallas.

Hoffman’s played clean, too. Across nearly 500 snaps last season, he was flagged just one – a false start. That fits well with a Pittsburgh offensive line that committed fewer penalties than any other group in 2025.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Brock Hoffman is fine interior depth. He may be in position to compete for the starting left guard but won’t be the favorite to win it. Ideally, he’s a top interior backup at both guard spots and center. He’s stronger and stouter than Ryan McCollum, making him the preferred option.

Assuming the money is cheap, and it almost certainly is, it’s a solid deal and much better strategy than paying big money for an over-the-hill veteran. Drafting the position early, within the top three rounds, should remain Pittsburgh’s goal, but I like adding Hoffman to the mix for experience and depth.