The Pittsburgh Steelers, like their counterparts across the NFL, are gearing up for a mix of excitement and anxiety as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches. With the draft set to kick off on Thursday, the Steelers have their sights set on key positions such as center, offensive tackle, wide receiver and cornerback. However, the potential to bolster their defensive line should not be overlooked.
In a press conference held on Monday morning, Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin addressed the media, shedding light on the team's draft preparations. The king among their concerns is the glaring need for a center following the release of Mason Cole, who held the starting position in 2023. While the void left by Cole's departure looms large, Khan remains open to the possibility of finding a solution from within the team's current roster.
“You know certainly it’s an important position and I’ve mentioned this before, but we have guys on the roster that have flexibility so we have options there. There’s some good players at the position and you know we will see where it shakes out.”
Among the players currently on the roster who could potentially fill the center position, Nate Herbig and Spencer Anderson stand out. However, these options fail to ignite much excitement among Steelers fans or instill confidence. Consequently, it appears increasingly probable that the Steelers will turn to the draft to address this crucial position, aiming to secure a prospect capable of stepping in and starting in the upcoming 2024 season.
When questioned about the center position and the qualities he's observed in potential candidates, Khan emphasized the readiness of many of these players to assume starting roles from the outset.
“You know there’s a handful of centers, a number of players that are at the position that are going to be starters in the NFL this year and in years to come. It’s no different than the other positions. I mean there’s good players at all these positions this year.”
As the draft approaches, the pool of talented centers has garnered significant attention, with many pundits touting their potential to make an immediate impact as rookies. Among these prospects, West Virginia's Zach Frazier has emerged as a standout, drawing considerable interest from the Steelers. However, recent surges in Frazier's draft stock present a potential hurdle for the Steelers, particularly if they aim to secure him with the 51st overall pick which comes in the second round.
Should Frazier's rising stock pose a challenge, the Steelers may find themselves contemplating draft-day maneuvers to ensure they land their coveted prospect. Moving around the draft board could become a viable strategy in their pursuit of Frazier, demonstrating their willingness to be proactive in securing top talent.
Steelers Have Plenty Of Options At Center But It Could Get Risky
While Frazier remains a key target for the Steelers, Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson has emerged as another intriguing option. Unlike Frazier's upward trajectory, Powers-Johnson's draft stock has taken a different turn, potentially placing him within reach for the Steelers in the second round, without the need for intricate trade maneuvers. This dynamic shift in draft projections presents the Steelers with a spectrum of possibilities as they craft their draft strategy.
However, the Steelers face a delicate balancing act at the center position. Waiting until the second round carries the risk of missing out on their preferred prospects if they are snatched up by other teams. Ideally, they aim to navigate through the first round without selecting a center, allowing them to target their desired player later in the draft.
The first round promises to be intriguing for the Steelers, given their position and flexibility. The tension between selecting the best player available versus addressing positional needs will undoubtedly be a focal point. Khan's assertion that they prioritize the best player available at a position of need adds an additional layer of intrigue to the draft proceedings, heightening anticipation for Steeler Nation.
More must-reads: