Steelers' Top Target Jackson Powers-Johnson's Stock Slipping Potentially Into Round 2

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made some exciting moves this offseason to build an offense for new coordinator, Arthur Smith. That includes sweeping the quarterback room clean and adding both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to the roster. They have also added some depth at wide receiver and running back. However, they still need to address their most significant offensive needs, which include center and offensive tackle.      

This has led to speculation from analysts that they will use their first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to take one of those positions. One particular center is being mentioned most often - Jackson Powers-Johnson from Oregon. Powers-Johnson is poised to become a part of history, as most mocks predict that three centers will go in the first round for the first time ever.

Powers-Johnson's stock soared significantly after an outstanding performance at the Senior Bowl. But now word is out that the media might have been inflating his value. Matt Miller, from ESPN, said that teams are less interested in Powers-Johnson than the media. Miller said he might not even be in the top 25.

"In talking to scouts over the past two weeks, it sounds like teams are not as high on Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson as the media consensus. JPJ had a strong early performance at the Senior Bowl before leaving the second practice with a hamstring injury. It was that early impression that saw him rise up draft boards. He followed that up with a good showing in position drills at the [2024 NFL] Combine, but didn't participate in most of the other drills -- he did only the bench press and vertical/broad jumps -- before shutting it down. The feedback I've received from teams is that while he might go in the first round, it's unlikely that he would be selected in the top 25 picks based on where teams are ranking him," wrote Miller.

Part of what tied Powers-Johnson to the Steelers was that Offensive Line Coach Pat Meyer was at his Pro Day at Oregon. Videos and photos of Meyer working him out, alongside Phil Rauscher from the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chris Morgan from the Chicago Bears, were posted on social media. A Steelers coach actively working out a player has been a sign of serious interest in the past. It happened with Joey Porter Jr. and George Pickens. 

However, neither Head Coach Mike Tomlin nor General Manager Omar Khan was there, and that gives pause. Although Meyer may have been present, Tomlin and Khan have always gone to see first-round selections with their own eyes at Pro Days. 

The last time the Steelers took a center in the first round was in 2010, when they chose Maurkice Pouncey with the 18th overall pick. Only centers of exceptional talent are taken in the first round, and they are few and far between. 

Powers-Johnson is 6'3", 328 lbs., and many think he is that kind of talent, despite having only started for one year. He is powerful and strong, with a good center of gravity. He is said to be a "fierce competitor with a salty disposition." The consensus is that he will be a starter in the NFL; however, some think he needs time to develop before being thrown in. 

The Steelers desperately need a solid anchor for their offensive line since they released Mason Cole at the end of the 2023 season. They need someone reliable to protect the ball and their new quarterbacks. Getting an elite center would help set the line up for success for years to come. 

Steelers Will Have A Big Decision To Make

There was talk that the Steelers might try to move up from their pick at 20 to ensure they get their man. They did this last season to ensure they got offensive tackle, Broderick Jones.  

However, this news about Powers-Johnson not being the top 20 pick that many believed, could change things. The Steelers don't usually reach for a player if they think that pick is below that value. Other mocks are shifting away from Powers-Johnson; some think that Khan might choose to go with a tackle, such as Amarius Mims out of Georgia, or even a top-tier wide receiver. 

If they go with something other than center with that first pick, other centers, including Zach Frazier from West Virginia, could possibly be grabbed in the second round or later. 

What do you think the Steelers will do with their first-round pick? Click to comment below. 

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