The starting center for the Steelers in 2024 might quickly develop into Maurkice Pouncey 2.0.

The starting center for the Steelers in 2024 might quickly develop into Maurkice Pouncey 2.0.

Following Mason Cole’s late-February release, both the media and fans will try to guess who the Pittsburgh Steelers starting center will be in 2024. Cole’s inability to do his most crucial duty, which is to snap the ball, made it obvious that an upgrade was required at the position. Mid-March is likely to see a profusion of free agents become available, but there is a ton of talent in the draft class. General Manager Omar Khan might fill the post more than once in the summer, which wouldn’t be shocking.

The undisputed top center in the 2024 NFL Draft will be accessible. With Cole’s release, the Steelers may have revealed their intentions regarding their first-round pick, even though there are still a number of possibilities to watch. In the franchise’s history, a center was taken in the first round just once. Before retiring in 2015, Maurkice Pouncey was a beloved member of the Steelers for ten of those years on the field and eleven in total.

Pittsburgh selected Kendrick Green in the 2021 selection in an attempt to replace Pouncey. After that one-year experiment went horribly wrong, the team brought in Cole in an attempt to turn things around. Both were total failures in the offensive scheme of the Steelers, and neither is still on the.

Fresh out of the University of Oregon, Jackson Powers-Johnson possesses all the necessary skills to become a superstar. After an outstanding Senior Bowl performance, his draft value shot through the roof, and he is currently regarded as a possible home run candidate. It’s difficult to picture Pittsburgh not submitting their draft card right away while he sits there at 20th overall.

The Steelers offense should be entering a familiar yet new era when it visits town. Since Arthur Smith was brought in as offensive coordinator, the emphasis will probably be on an under-center rushing strategy that frequently incorporates play-action. Isaac Seumalo and Broderick Jones are two reliable linemen for Pittsburgh, but the most crucial position on the team is.

In an attempt to make up for Seumalo and Jones’ powerful tandem, Jones should go to his natural position on the left side. An amazing left side would be strengthened by the addition of a possible All-Pro center. If Powers-Johnson is added, there would still be uncertainty at right tackle, but attacking spaces on the left side would be easily exploited by Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.

Thanks to Pouncey’s Hall of Fame career, Pittsburgh was spoiled. Since then, the void left by his decision to hang up his cleats has had enormous ramifications. Although the Steelers’ roster is plagued by problems, having an offensive captain at center is essential. Failing to take Powers-Johnson if he is available would be a fatal error.