Steelers Could Have Jackson Powers-Johnson Dreams Ruined By 2 Teams That Could Jump Them In First Round

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a heck of a 2023 NFL Draft in General Manager Omar Khan's first full offseason in charge of the front office. The selections of Broderick Jones, Joey Porter Jr., Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig all look fantastic and they are players who could compete at the professional level for a long time. The pressure is still on in 2024, however. There are plenty of needs throughout the roster that Khan and the team need to explore from now until the draft commences in late April. Following the release of Mason Cole, there may be no greater hole to fill than at center.

The organization does have some internal options in Nate Herbig, James Daniels and Spencer Anderson, but the Steelers have struggled with stability at the position since Maurkice Pouncey retired after the 2020 campaign. There is going to be a prospect available in the first round for Pittsburgh to jump on, but if they aren't diligent, he could slip away from them very quickly.

Jackson Powers-Johnson out of the University of Oregon was originally projected to be available in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. After an impressive Senior Bowl performance, he was labeled as a riser and someone who boosted his stock to first-round worthy rather quickly. Pittsburgh should have the first crack at him, unless another AFC team desperate enough leapfrogs them at 20th overall.

That first team that comes to mind wouldn't have to give up much to beat Pittsburgh to Powers-Johnson. The Miami Dolphins are slated to pick 21st overall and given their center situation, could be in the market for a franchise guy. Connor Williams started 26 games at center for Miami in 2022 and 2023, but suffered a torn ACL in mid-December and was placed on Injured Reserve.

Williams wrapped up a two-year deal with Miami in 2023, and it's not even a surefire thing that he will be back in the future. The ACL tear certainly complicated things, but if it appears he will be in a different city after a short stint with the Dolphins, Miami could be desperate to find a top-tier prospect to work with Tua Tagovailoa. 

The Dolphins aren't the only team to keep an eye out for, however. Howie Roseman of the Philadelphia Eagles' front office has been a menace with trades on draft day in recent years. Future Hall of Fame center Jason Kelce has yet to officially make up his mind about potentially retiring, but there's a strong possibility that he hangs up his cleats, leaving a massive hole at the position for Philadelphia.

Landon Dickerson played great at left guard and he will likely stay there. That leaves the center spot as a significant question mark for the Eagles. Philadelphia has the 22nd overall pick and with plenty of needs, a center isn't a must in round one. If, however, Powers-Johnson continues to run his way up draft boards, the Steelers could have some serious competition if he is their top target.

Steelers Can't Afford To Let A Potential All-Pro Center Slip Through Their Fingers

It is really hard to imagine a team in the top 19, other than maybe the Seattle Seahawks, targeting Powers-Johnson. If Seattle addresses a different need in round one, there's no guarantee that the Dolphins and Eagles wouldn't potentially make a few calls. Every team has more than one area to improve in, but it should be a bit concerning that the teams picking 20 through 22 (including the Steelers) could all be in the market for a center.

It is probably not worth it for Pittsburgh to make a move up for Powers-Johnson, but if another franchise jumps them and he turns into an All-Pro stud, it will be a crucial blow to the Steelers' offensive line rebuilding efforts.

Do you think Pittsburgh is set on drafting a center in the first round? Let us know in the comments below!

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