STEELERS EYEING OREGON CENTER FOR FIRST-ROUND PICK
The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to make a splash in this year’s NFL draft, and according to SI.com’s All NFL Draft’s Luke Easterling, they have their sights set on Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson. The 20th overall pick could be a game-changer for the Steelers, as Powers-Johnson has drawn comparisons to the legendary Maurkice Pouncey.
With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith at the helm, the Steelers are eager to establish a dominant ground game. Powers-Johnson’s physicality and presence in the trenches could be just what the team needs to achieve that goal. The former Oregon standout has the potential to follow in Pouncey’s footsteps and make an immediate impact on the Steelers’ offense.
Powers-Johnson’s similarities to Pouncey have not gone unnoticed. SB Nation’s Michael Beck highlighted the impact Pouncey had on the Steelers’ offense when he was drafted. Beck believes that Powers-Johnson has the same potential to bring a much-needed boost to the team.
As the draft process unfolds, all eyes will be on the Steelers and their potential selection of Powers-Johnson. If history repeats itself, the Steelers could find themselves with a star in the making. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting draft prospect.
STEELERS EYEING OFFENSIVE LINEMAN UPGRADE IN 2024 NFL DRAFT
The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to bolster their offensive line in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. While an offensive tackle seems like the most obvious choice, there’s another position that could use an upgrade – center.
Mason Cole, the Steelers’ current center, has struggled significantly in recent years. In the 2023 season, he recorded a career-low PFF grade of 53.2. Among centers with over 1,000 snaps, Cole ranked 18th out of 20. His pass protection skills were particularly lacking, as he was rated 52nd out of 56 in that category.
Enter Powers-Johnson, one of the top center prospects in the 2024 draft class. Both ESPN and PFF have him ranked highly, and Bleacher Report lists him as the No. 2 interior offensive lineman in the upcoming class. Powers-Johnson even had the opportunity to meet with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during the Senior Bowl.
If the Steelers decide to draft Powers-Johnson, it could mean the end of the road for Cole. Cutting him would save the team $4.75 million in salary cap space. Regardless, 2024 is the final year of Cole’s contract.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Steelers’ draft plans as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches.
