The Pittsburgh Steelers face a challenging task during the upcoming NFL Draft as they seek to address multiple roster deficiencies. One of the most pressing needs is at the center position, where the team has yet to find a suitable starter.
The Steelers have a rich history of exceptional centers, including Ray Mansfield, Mike Webster, Dermontti Dawson, and Maurkice Pouncey. To continue this legacy, Gerry Dulac emphasizes that the team is determined to acquire a top-flight center, comparable to the caliber of Pouncey, who anchored the line for a decade.
The Steelers have identified three potential center prospects in the draft: Graham Barton, Jackson Powers-Johnson, and Zach Frazier. Barton and Powers-Johnson are projected as first-round selections, while Frazier is likely to be available in the second round. However, the Steelers may need to trade up to secure Frazier as he continues to rise up draft boards.
Another option for the Steelers is Sedrick Van Pran, but his projected draft position in the third or fourth round may not align with the team’s desire for a ‘top-flight’ player.
The Steelers face a difficult decision as they could select a tackle in the first round but also have the opportunity to acquire Barton or another center prospect. The team’s long-standing success at the center position places significant importance on this draft pick, and they aim to find a player who can continue the legacy of exceptional play for years to come.
