Steelers Predicted To Pass On A Massive Opportunity To Take Jackson Powers-Johnson At Pick 51

The Pittsburgh Steelers are likely still interested in drafting a center after selecting offensive tackle Troy Fautanu out of Washington with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft Thursday night. Two of the top three centers in the draft, Zach Frazier and Jackson Powers-Johnson, are still available as we head into the second round of the draft on Friday. Pro Football Focus predicts that the Steelers will be in the same spot after pick 51, however: no center. 

"The Steelers find a replacement for Diontae Johnson. Wilson brings NFL-level speed, but also NFL-level determination at the catch point and when blocking."

Steelers Will Have Lots Of Cap Flexibility 

Wilson's mix of speed at the wide receiver position, determination and willingness to block sounds like the perfect slot option, and according to PFF, he's even worth passing on Powers-Johnson potentially being Pittsburgh's center of the future. In Wilson's senior season at Michigan last year, he posted 48 receptions for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns, on his way to becoming a National Champion. Those numbers aren't spectacular, but he played in a run-first offense that only threw the ball 36% of the time, so the statistics aren't too concerning. Wilson would immediately step in and fill Diontae Johnson's void in the wide receiver two spot. 

If the Steelers draft an offensive weapon like Wilson at 51, they'll still need to address the center position, presumably in the third round. PFF predicts that Powers-Johnson will be the 58th pick to the Green Bay Packers, so he'll be gone long before the Steelers' next selections at 84 and 98. The next best center likely available is very solid, but might not be available at pick 84.

Georgia center, Sedrick Van Pran is predicted to go to the New York Jets with the 72nd pick. Van Pran was a three-year starter for the Bulldogs where he helped bring them two National Championships. The Steelers might have to trade up if they want Van Pran, or they can look into drafting Arkansas center, Beaux Limmer with the 84th or 98th pick in the draft. After Van Pran and Limmer, there isn't a center in this draft that looks to be a bona fide Week 1 starter.