Steelers Mock Draft: A balanced approach patches major roster holes in 2024
By Tommy Jaggi
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Steelers mock draft Round 2: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
The Pittsburgh Steelers will almost certainly look to upgrade the center position during the 2024 offseason. While Mason Cole had a respectable season in his first year with the Steelers in 2022, this year was a disaster, for the most part. Because of this, the Steelers could look to dump his pricey $6.27 million price tag in 2024.
Grabbing another veteran in free agency could be an option, but the available options might not be the sizeable upgrade that Pittsburgh desires. While West Virginia's Zach Frazier and Georgia's Sedrick Van Pran will be frequently mocked to the Steelers in the second round, Jackson Powers-Johnson is a center who could catch their attention.
As the Steelers look to get bigger and stronger with their upgrades on the offensive line, Powers-Jackson fits the bill. The Oregon standout graded out as the best center in the nation this year, per Pro Football Focus. His stout 6'3'' and 320-pound frame help him control the point of attack.
Jackson Powers-Johnson lacks the number of college reps of players like Frazier or Van Pran, but he has been phenomenal over the past two seasons when he has seen the field. Powers-Johnson is equally good as a pass blocker as he is in the running game. He projects as a long-time starting center in the NFL.