The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a critical juncture this offseason, facing a gaping void that has become the talk of the town. With the release of their 2023 starting center Mason Cole, the quest for a formidable successor has become the team’s top priority.
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, speculation swirls around how the Steelers will address this glaring need, sparking a narrative that could very well define their upcoming season.
A Glimpse of Hope from ESPN’s Draft Guru
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN’s veteran draft analyst, sheds a beam of optimism on Pittsburgh’s predicament. Kiper suggests that the Steelers might not need to dip into the first round to find their man. The draft, he posits, is rich with talent at the center position, highlighting three prospects: Duke’s Graham Barton, Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson, and West Virginia’s Zach Frazier. Each is touted as ready to step into the NFL spotlight from day one.
Intriguingly, Kiper’s analysis indicates that Powers-Johnson and Frazier could be available when the Steelers make their second-round selections. With Powers-Johnson projected at pick No. 47 and Frazier at No. 57, Pittsburgh could potentially secure a key piece of their offensive puzzle without a first-round expenditure.
However, Kiper’s latest mock draft throws a curveball, envisioning the Steelers opting for Barton with their No. 20 pick in the first round.
This prediction begs the question: if Pittsburgh has its sights set on Powers-Johnson or Frazier, why not wait until the second round? The draft strategy becomes a compelling narrative, considering the Steelers have other positions to shore up, including offensive tackle, wide receiver, and cornerback.
North Carolina Central basketball coach LeVelle Moton and Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin are partnering to launch an initiative to help minority men’s and women’s basketball coaches advance their careers
per-WRAL pic.twitter.com/ZXUBCAm3iG— HBCU Premier Sports & More (@HBCUSports1) April 5, 2024
The Draft Stock Enigma
The fluctuating draft stocks of Powers-Johnson and Frazier add another layer of intrigue. ESPN’s Field Yates expressed his bewilderment over their unexpected slide down the draft board. Initially projected as early second-round picks, the feedback Yates received suggests that the market valuation of both centers might have been overly optimistic.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their draft stock, the Steelers’ interest in Powers-Johnson remains undiminished. A pre-draft visit on Wednesday underscores Pittsburgh’s keenness on the Oregon standout, signaling their intent to closely evaluate their options.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Strategy Ahead
As the draft looms, the Steelers’ strategy is under the microscope. Will they make a move for Barton in the first round, or bide their time, hoping to snag Powers-Johnson or Frazier in the second? The decision not only hinges on their assessment of the players’ immediate impact but also on the broader draft dynamics and the availability of talent at other positions of need.
Pittsburgh’s approach to filling its center vacancy is emblematic of the draft’s unpredictability and strategic depth. As Kiper, Yates, and countless fans and analysts look on, the Steelers are poised to make a decision that could shape their offensive line for years to come.
In the grand chess game of the NFL Draft, Pittsburgh’s next move is eagerly anticipated, with the potential to either solidify its foundation or prompt further scrutiny.
In the world of NFL drafts, the Steelers’ saga at the center position is a reminder of the high-stakes decisions teams face, where a single pick can alter the course of a franchise’s future.
Source: Yardbarker
