Steelers Have The Freedom To Trade Up In Round 2 And Draft Zach Frazier Or Jackson Powers-Johnson

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant decision when they released Mason Cole, their starting center from the 2023 season, early in the offseason. With a void now gaping at the center position, they've yet to fill it through free agency or trades, making it clear that the draft will likely be their avenue to secure their next starter.

There's a growing inclination towards drafting an offensive tackle in the first round, with many eyeing Amarius Mims from Georgia as a potential pick. Should they opt for Mims in the first round, it's highly probable that they'll utilize their second-round selection for a center. However, this approach carries its share of risk, as it hinges on their desired center being available when they pick at 51st overall.

Mark Kaboly, a Steelers reporter for The Athletic, joined The PM Team with Poni & Mueller to discuss Pittsburgh's potential moves in the upcoming draft. During his segment, he shared his insights on the Steelers' strategy for securing their desired center in the second round.

“For my money, if Zach Frazier is anywhere in the 40’s in the second round, I am making some type of move to go get him. I’ll tell you that much. I would rather have one than not.”

Kaboly was in the midst of discussing the possibility of trading up a few spots to draft Zach Frazier from West Virginia when he was interrupted. The host then shifted the conversation to Jackson Powers-Johnson, the center from Oregon who had initially been regarded as the top prospect at his position but had since seen his draft stock decline. Despite this, Kaboly expressed his lack of concern regarding Powers-Johnson's falling stock and elaborated on why.

"When you talk about Jackson Powers-Johnson slipping, guess who else slipped a couple of years ago down in the middle of the second round? Creed Humphrey. So I guess what I'm saying is, even if he does slip, it doesn't mean he's not a star in the making, could not jump in and be a guy right now. Maybe teams don't value that center position in the first round and really would like to see him move to the second."

Kaboly highlighted another player who recently slipped from being a projected first-round pick to the second round and ended up excelling in the NFL. It's a reminder that draft projections aren't always indicative of a player's potential success at the next level. The draft is highly dependent on situational factors, and currently, it seems that many teams are considering centers as second-round prospects.

This scenario could work to the Steelers' advantage. Kaboly is confident that they possess the necessary picks and resources to execute a trade and move up a few spots in the second round to secure either Frazier or Powers-Johnson, with a preference for Frazier. The Steelers' approach to day two of the draft and their timing in selecting a center will be intriguing to watch.

Steelers Could Change Draft Plans Quick Depending On How The Cookie Crumbles

In the ever-fluid landscape of the NFL draft, plans can shift in an instant. The Steelers currently have a strategy in place, but it's subject to rapid change based on interviews, scouting reports, and emerging insights. When the clock starts ticking, tough decisions lie ahead for Pittsburgh, decisions that won't necessarily please everyone. 

Presently, it appears the Steelers are leaning towards selecting a tackle in the first round and a center in the second. If Powers-Johnson falls into the second round the Steelers may opt to take him or Frazier. No one really knows who the Steelers favor at this point.

Heading into the draft with the need to secure immediate starters isn't ideal, but that's the reality for the Steelers, who require a center and a wide receiver capable of hitting the ground running by the start of the season. Despite these pressing needs, Pittsburgh boasts numerous draft picks, offering ample opportunity to address multiple areas of concern. A successful draft in 2024 would be the perfect culmination of what has already been a remarkable offseason for the Steelers.