Dream Scenarios For The Steelers At Pick 20
Last season, we saw General Manager Omar Khan and his assistant Andy Weidl dominate their first draft together at the helm in Pittsburgh. If they can figure out a way to nail two in a row, the Steelers could be cooking on the rebuild or re-tool, whatever you would like to call it.
This year’s NFL Draft feels loaded with talent in all the spots the Steelers need. Center, Tackle, and Cornerback will all be big points of emphasis for Pittsburgh and all are relatively deep positions in this class.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, Center
The recipient of the Rimington Award, given to college football’s best Center, Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson is projected by some to be a second-round pick. Still, if the Steelers have a chance at him at pick 20, it would be an absolute Home Run. Mason Cole needs replacing and who better to do it than Powers-Johnson? He was a Unanimous All-American and First Team All PAC 12 last season. He kept Bo Nix upright all year. Powers-Johnson logged 829 snaps in 13 games and gave up one Quarterback Hurry, Zero Quarterback Hits, and zero sacks. Impressive stuff.
Mason Cole took four penalties, allowed pressure at the drop of a feather, and even struggled to snap the ball correctly at times last season. It’s unfortunately time for him to go, hopefully finding success elsewhere. Powers-Johnson would look great in black and yellow.
Amarius Mims, Right Tackle
Although many are concerned with the amount he played at the collegiate level, Amarius Mims would be a great addition to the Steelers. He would allow his former teammate at Georgia Broderick Jones to go back to his natural position on the left side of the line. Perfect. Scouts have pinned Mims as a rare blend of size, athleticism, and strength. He also excels in pass protection, something the Steelers quarterback would love, whoever it is.
The Dan Moore experience has been fun and all, but it’s time for it to come to an end. He’s been a turnstile for the better half of four years now and an upgrade to tackle will bring this line one step closer to being where it needs to be.
Quinyon Mitchell, Cornerback
This is an intriguing prospect. Many hadn’t even heard his name before the recent Senior Bowl, now fans are raving over him. The Cornerback from Toledo is a very raw prospect, but he has all the right tools to turn into a great player at the professional level. In 2023, Mitchell posted 781 snaps in 13 games, making 31 tackles, 14 pass breakups, one interception, and a Quarterback Rating of 49.0 when targeted. He’s also believed to have run a 4.35 40-yard dash, but the combine will show us more there.
This past season, the Steelers found their CB1 in Joey Porter Jr. He turned out to be everything that we imagined and then some. But he needs some help back there. It will be interesting to see what Cory Trice, who sustained a season-ending injury in Training Camp can contribute to the Steelers this season. But it’s a bunch of question marks behind Porter Jr. The Steelers will look to add to that room this offseason as well.
Crucial Offseason For The Steelers
Every offseason in the NFL is crucial in terms of building a competitive team. But this offseason could be a deciding moment in Steelers history. They’ve already made some steps in the right direction with all the offensive hires. Now bringing in the right players will be the next step. Good execution from Khan and Weidl could make Mike Tomlin’s life a lot easier next fall.
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