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Most Pittsburgh Steelers rookies—first-round picks included—generally spend a year in a backup capacity, learning the ropes of the game and the system before taking over starting duties. This was not the case, however, with 2010 first-round pick Maurkice Pouncey, who became the team's starting center his rookie year.

Pouncey started his career strongly, giving up only three sacks in 2010 (via profootballfocus.com, subscription required), three in 2011 and three in 2012 (when injuries on the offensive line forced him into two starts at left guard).

Though not the best center in the league, Pouncey has been a very solid addition to the Steelers' offensive line. The only concern with him is that he's become injury prone, with his ankle in particular causing him to miss time over the past two years. But overall, he's been more reliable than other member of an offensive line that has suffered over the last three years from starters missing significant playing time.

Pouncey met an immediate need and was able to start and play well right away. There couldn't have been a better use for the Steelers' first-round pick in 2010.

Grade: A