The Pittsburgh Steelers and Omar Khan have made three key additions in free agency. They addressed the quarterback position by signing Russell Wilson. They also upgraded at inside linebacker by signing Patrick Queen to the biggest free agent contract in franchise history. Khan even bolstered special teams by signing punter Cameron Johnston.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl might be the best in the NFL at evaluating offensive line prospects.
Pittsburgh still needs to address the defensive backfield and the offensive line, and it will be interesting to see how Khan proceeds to do so. One thing is becoming clear, however: Khan and Andy Weidl might be looking to the April Draft for the 2024 starter at the center position.
Similar to yesterday at Oregon State for Fuaga, #Steelers Pat Meyer, #Jaguars Phil Rauscher, and #Bears Chris Morgan are leading position drills for Jackson Powers-Johnson pic.twitter.com/nI0X20xBv5
— Mike 🏈 footballiance.com (@DraftMaverick) March 12, 2024
On Tuesday, Jackson Powers-Johnson, arguably the best center prospect in the 2024 draft, held his Pro Day at the University of Oregon. Pat Meyer, the Steelers offensive line coach, was on hand with Phil Rauscher from the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chris Morgan from the Chicago Bears to lead Powers-Johnson's position drills. Khan and Mike Tomlin did not attend the workout.
Michael Wade / Icon Sportswire
Jackson Powers-Johnson was a top prospect at the 2024 Senior Bowl.
Powers-Johnson is projected to be just the eighth center since Maurkice Pouncey to go in the first round. Pouncey was a first-round selection by the Steelers in 2010. The NFL has drifted increasingly towards analytics, and center is generally a position that is frowned upon in the first round. Powers-Johnson is a rare exception to the evolving draft rules.
He has experience starting at both center and guard at the collegiate level, but was a revelation at the center position in 2023. Powers-Johnson was a unanimous All-American selection and won the Rimington Award as the nation's best center. The Steelers desperately need the long-term answer at center, and Powers-Johnson is ferociously physical and fleet of foot. If Pittsburgh finds a way to select him in April, they could find the next generational talent worthy of playing center in Pittsburgh. His selection could change the overall effectiveness for the better of Pittsburgh's offensive line play, especially since Mason Cole is no longer with the team as he was released earlier this offseason.
UO Athletics / GoDucks.com
University of Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson (#58) gets ready to snap the ball at the line of scrimmage to his quarterback Bo Nix (#10) during a Ducks home football game.
Steelers Growing Interest In Jackson Powers-Johnson Could Lead To Big Move Before April Draft
The interest in drafting Powers-Johnson is not the issue. Pittsburgh currently holds the 20th pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Additional work from Khan may be required to put the Steelers in a position to draft the top center prospect. Khan demonstrated in the 2023 draft that he would be aggressive in moving up to get a prospect that the organization covets.
He may have to negotiate a deal with a willing trade partner, as he did with the New England Patriots last season, to acquire 2023 first-round draft pick Broderick Jones. Since the Jaguars and Bears pick before the Steelers, it will take a little artistry to deliver Powers-Johnson to the Steelers in April. Luckily, the Pittsburgh general manager knows a little something about that already.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Is Powers-Johnson at the very top of your wish list this offseason? Please comment below or on my Twitter/X: @thebubbasq.
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