Pittsburgh Steelers select Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson in A to Z Sports pre-Combine mock draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to need a center in 2024. And I don't mean they need to upgrade, they literally need a warm body to play the position after releasing tenured starter Mason Cole. Well, just yesterday I proposed a prospect that would be much more than just a "warm body" and it seems […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to need a center in 2024.
And I don't mean they need to upgrade, they literally need a warm body to play the position after releasing tenured starter Mason Cole.
Well, just yesterday I proposed a prospect that would be much more than just a "warm body" and it seems that Travis May and Destin Adams of A to Z Sports NFL Draft also agree:
JPJ All Day
What makes JPJ worth such a high selection is his versatility. A lot of times, players that play along the interior are better suited for gap-power run schemes or zone-finesse run schemes. But with the height, weight and athleticism to be scheme multiple and a new offense that will look to blend the two schemes, it's hard to believe there will be a better overall fit at 20th overall given the Steelers' offensive needs and scheme at this point of the process. -Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports NFL Draft
The Steelers are another team that I'm sure would love to grab one of the top QBs in this class, but I think it is more realistic that they add a veteran to compete with Kenny Pickett. But they have to find a new starting center this offseason, whether it's in free agency or the NFL draft. The top center in this class is Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson, and with him falling in their laps here at 20, I think they would run this pick in. -Destin Adams, A to Z Sports NFL Draft
Jackson Powers-Johnson was the anchor to the best pass-blocking offensive line in college football last fall and is the best center prospect in years. He's a massive prospect for the position and seemingly eats defensive linemen up right off the snap. -Travis May, A to Z Sports NFL Draft
Final Word
As you can see, between the scheme fit, the draft positioning, and the Steelers' needs on offense, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better overall player and one that could have the profound impact that JPJ would at 20th overall.
Picking the Pittsburgh Steelers’ best Day 3 draft targets after the 2024 NFL Combine
Here is the crop of Day 3 picks that make the most sense for Pittsburgh following the Combine.