Steelers Pegged ‘Favorite Team Fit’ For Fierce Competitive Lineman at Pick No. 20.
Some pundits have soured on the idea of the Pittsburgh Steelers drafting Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson in the first round. But ESPN’s Matt Bowen is not one of them.
Bowen labeled the Steelers a “favorite team fit” for Powers-Johnson. The Oregon center is regarded as one of the best prospects at center in the 2024 draft class.
“The Steelers will feature a run-heavy attack with play-action elements under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith,” Bowen wrote. “That’s a fit for Powers-Johnson, given his strength at the point of attack, instincts at the snap and the toughness he would bring to the middle of the Pittsburgh offensive line.
“Powers-Johnson is quick to identify stunts and close down interior pass-rushing lanes, plus he can combo/climb to create daylight in Smith’s zone run game. He played center, left guard, right guard and right tackle at Oregon, and that versatility will help his value.”
The Steelers are set at guard. But if they choose Powers-Johnson, he will likely have the opportunity to start at center as a rookie.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein referred to the Oregon center as “a fierce competitor with a salty disposition.”
Why the Steelers, Jackson Powers-Johnson Are a Potential Great Fit
The Steelers released starting center Mason Cole on February 23. Since then, they haven’t added an interior offensive lineman to the roster.
Head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan suggested backup guard Nate Herbig as an option to play center. However, that wouldn’t be ideal since he has very little previous NFL experience at center.
SB Nation’s Behind the Steel Curtain’s Kate Magdzuik argued the Steelers should consider re-signing Cole as “an insurance policy.” But it’s highly likely the Steelers will add a potential starting
center within the first two days of the draft. Powers-Johnson is one of the better possible choices.
Both Pro Football Focus and Bleacher Report have Powers-Johnson ranked as the best center in the 2024 draft class.