Replacing Maurkice Pouncey (2021 Reese's Senior Bowl Edition)

By: CJ Lester, @CJLester58

SteelerNation.com

The 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl is this afternoon at 2:30pm on NFL Network! Let’s check out a few Senior Bowl prospects the Pittsburgh Steelers should have on their radar that could potentially replace C Maurkice Pouncey who is rumored to retire. Reports suggests that QB Ben Roethlisberger would love to be able to talk Pouncey into returning next year, but if Pouncey does indeed retire, that leaves at giant hole at center for the Steelers’ offensive line. There’s no question about it, even if Pouncey returns, the Steelers need an infusion of youth on that offensive line. A couple of guys that the Steelers should keep an eye on at the center position during the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl are:

National Team

56 Creed Humphrey, OL, Oklahoma

An early round option, Humphrey is one of the top centers in the 2021 NFL Draft. Hopefully, he slips into the 2nd round for the Steelers to snag him there. Humphrey has 37 career starts for the Sooners, a 3 year starter and an explosive center. If President Art Rooney II wants to focus on improving the run game, here's a guy that immediately comes to mind. He is a fierce competitor with excellent hands. His football IQ allows him to be excellent in run blocking and pass protection.

71 Quinn Meinerz, OL, Wisconsin-Whitewater

Are we seeing a 2021 NFL Draft riser? A lesser known Division III prospect, Meinerz is having a very productive week in Mobile, Alabama. A possible later round prospect for the Steelers to keep an eye on, Meinerz has been an impressive during this week of Senior Bowl practices. Meinerz could be a diamond in the rough in later rounds. The fight and toughness he has displayed during Senior Bowl practices has warranted a look from NFL Scouts. Just watch what he does to the Pittsburgh Panther's Patrick Jones in the first few second of the video below. Meinerz was named Top OL on the National Team in a vote that the Defensive Line group makes. Meinerz broke his hand snapping, so he probably won't play in today's game. However, Ian Rapoport reports on Twitter, that he is trying to convince Brian Flores to allow him to play. However, his strong week at practice put scouts on notice as well as his peers.

American Team

69 Landon Dickerson, OL, Alabama

Dickerson is a versatile offensive lineman that has played all five positions. In the later part of his career, he's been more known for his play as an interior offensive lineman. With monstrous size, Dickerson has the ability to lock on and not let go. He makes up for his lack of athleticism with quick strong hands, a high motor, and a constant fight snap to whistle. Dickerson can start in the NFL at Center or Guard if he can stay healthy. The senior has faced several injuries throughout his career.

76 Drake Jackson, OL, Kentucky

A little undersized, Jackson is a mid-late round option for the Steelers if they want to wait few rounds before the draft a Pouncey replacement. Jackson doesn't show much versatility and is most likely viewed as just a center, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. He is a center that doesn't get pushed into the backfield very often and is impressive in pass sets. He can win at the point of attack and plays with leverage. Check him out putting in work against Florida State's DT Marvin Wilson, who should also be on the Steelers' radar as an interior defensive lineman.

What do you think of these Center prospects for the Steelers? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

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