Mike Tomlin. A long shot to win the NFL Coach of the Year award in 2024.
The Steelers have multiple options for the 20th overall choice in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. They have huge needs at wide receiver, offensive line, and center, but Pittsburgh’s head coach, Mike Tomlin, indicated on Monday about where the team would utilize its first pick. Tomlin told reporters at the annual league conference that there “needs to be work done at center and receiver.” What he said next may have revealed the Steelers’ plans.
Tomlin went on to say that he believes many wide receivers can come in and contribute right away, but “after a couple of centers in the draft, it will likely not be plug and play.” The Steelers are looking for a new starting center after dismissing Mason Cole earlier this spring. If they don’t want to risk missing out on one, selecting a center with their first-round pick makes sense. If that’s the case, Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson is the player to watch. He is the best center and the No. 19 overall prospect on Pro Football Focus’ big board.
Centers are rarely drafted in the first round, but Powers-Johnson deserves it after being voted a first-team All-American and surrendering only one pressure on 471 pass-blocking opportunities in 2023. Pittsburgh has expressed strong interest in the 6-foot-3, 320-pound center. Tomlin allegedly paid special attention to Powers-Johnson during the Reese’s Senior Bowl in January. The Steelers still have nearly a month until the draft to fill their openings. According to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, general manager Omar Khan said that a trade to get a center is not out of the question.
Until Pittsburgh adds a starting-caliber center to its roster, the position should stay at the top of the team’s draft priorities.
