Steelers Mock Draft: Senior Bowl sparks massive investments in the trenches

Steelers kick off their mock draft with a Senior Bowl standout

Finally, after the long wait and trade back that caused the wait to go longer, the Steelers submitted their card. They decide to look over their draft board and decide on which prospect fits best available and also take care of a need. Since they moved back eight picks their decision has become clearer since some of their desired prospects had been taken.

They select Jackson Powers-Johnson out of Oregon with their first pick. He has been the best player down at the Senior Bowl and the Steelers might even consider him at pick 20 when the actual draft happens. He is the best center available and might be considered the best interior offensive lineman out of this draft class as a whole.

Expect the Steelers to show a lot of interest in the offensive line and Tomlin and Khan have already shown that down at the Senior Bowl. That is not the end-all-be-all when they draft players, but it is a start to showing their cards. Powers-Johnson had a couple of interactions with the Steelers so keep a close eye on him and if the club visits him at his pro day and beyond.

Powers-Johnson is an athletic player for the big size that he plays with. He should be able to provide an immediate upgrade over Mason Cole and any other options that might be on the roster. The Steelers need to find a long-term option at center and this prospect is that. Arthur Smith is the new offensive coordinator, and he demands plenty from his center.