The Steelers have multiple options for the 20th overall choice in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
They have huge needs at wide receiver, offensive tackle, and centre, but Pittsburgh’s head coach, Mike Tomlin, indicated on Monday about where the team would utilise its first pick.
Tomlin told reporters at the annual league conference that there “needs to be work done at centre and receiver.” What he said next may have revealed the Steelers’ plans.
Tomlin added that he believes many wide receivers can come in and contribute as soon as possible while “after a couple centers in the draft, it will likely not be plug and play.”
The Steelers need a new starting center after releasing Mason Cole earlier this offseason. If they don’t want to risk losing out on landing one, securing a center with their first-round pick makes sense.
If that’s the case, the name to watch is Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson. He ranks as the best center and No. 19 overall prospect on Pro Football Focus’ big board.
It’s not often that centers are taken in the first round, but Powers-Johnson is deserving after being named a first-team All-American and allowing just one pressure on 471 pass-blocking opportunities in 2023.
Pittsburgh has expressed strong interest in the 6-foot-3, 320-pound centre. Tomlin allegedly paid special attention to Powers-Johnson during the Reese’s Senior Bowl in January.
The Steelers still have nearly a month until the draft to fill their openings. According to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, general manager Omar Khan said that a deal to find a centre is not out of the question.
Until Pittsburgh adds a starting-caliber centre to its roster, the position should stay at the top of the team’s draft priorities.
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