The Pittsburgh Steelers, a team with a storied history and passionate fan base, found themselves grappling with a dilemma during the 2023 NFL season. At the heart of this predicament was Mason Cole, the team's incumbent center whose performance left much to be desired.
As Steelers faithful watched in dismay, Cole's struggles with snapping the football properly became increasingly apparent. From errant rolls along the ground, to snaps that proved challenging for quarterbacks to handle, Cole's difficulties became a cause for concern among fans.
Steelers Signed Mason Cole To A Three-Year Deal In 2022
Cole's journey to Pittsburgh began with a notable three-year contract signing on March 17, 2022. Prior to donning the black and gold, he embarked on a career that saw him traverse from the Arizona Cardinals to the Minnesota Vikings. His arrival in Pittsburgh was met with hopes of bolstering the team's offensive line and contributing to its success in the seasons ahead. However, his inconsistent snaps and production as a center frustrated Steelers fans.
As doubts surrounding Cole's effectiveness grew, so too did the anticipation surrounding emerging talents within the collegiate ranks. Jackson Powers-Johnson, a standout center from Oregon, captured the attention of Steelers fans with his impressive performance in the Senior Bowl and during his college career. His accolades, including the 2023 Rimington Trophy for the top center in the FBS, positions him as a promising prospect for the Steelers.
Gerry Dulac, a respected reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, weighed in on the speculation surrounding the Steelers' potential interest in drafting Powers-Johnson. While acknowledging Cole's presence on the roster, Dulac hinted at the possibility of the Steelers seeking an alternative starting center, with Cole transitioning to a backup role.
“He does look like a dandy, and I wouldn't rule it out. The Steelers like Mason Cole, but they would like him more as a backup center/guard.”
Another name generating buzz among Steelers enthusiasts is Zach Frazier from West Virginia. Regarded as a day two prospect, Frazier presents an enticing option for the Steelers to consider, potentially with their second-round pick. As Powers-Johnson's draft stock continues to ascend, the Steelers find themselves at a crossroads, weighing their options in pursuit of securing a center like the legendary Maurkice Pouncey.
Despite the mounting speculation and fervent discussions among fans, Dulac remains steadfast in his belief that Cole will maintain a presence within the Steelers' roster. Whether as a starting center or in a backup capacity, Cole's tenure with the team appears poised to endure, despite the challenges encountered during the 2023 season.
The news of Cole potentially remaining on the roster might stir some unease among Steelers fans. Nonetheless, Dulac suggests it wouldn't be entirely unexpected. Retaining Cole might not be as dire as it seems at first glance. After all, he was a promising third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and initially generated excitement upon joining the team.
While he has encountered challenges, transitioning him to a backup role could bolster the Steelers' depth and alleviate some of the pressure on him. As Dulac pointed out, the Steelers envision him contributing as a guard, which could potentially maximize his effectiveness within the team.
The Steelers face numerous pressing needs to address, with each draft pick carrying immense significance. Operating with a sense of urgency due to their dwindling talent pool and the imperative for robust offensive line performance, the team finds itself in dire need of a genuine quarterback. Speculation abounds regarding the potential acquisition of Justin Fields through a trade, a move that could necessitate sacrificing at least one draft pick in the impending selection process.
As the Steelers navigate the uncertainties surrounding their center position, the fervor among fans remains palpable. With seasoned veterans like Cole and promising newcomers like Powers-Johnson and Frazier in the spotlight, the Steelers face a pivotal decision that could shape the trajectory of their offensive line for seasons to come. For now, Steelers faithful hold their breath, eagerly awaiting the team's next move as they continue their pursuit of gridiron glory.
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