After making the playoffs as a Wild Card despite placing third in the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers realise they need to work on their roster this offseason. It all starts with quarterback, where they must decide whether to prioritise Kenny Pickett’s development, add a mid-level competitor like Mason Rudolph, or go all in for someone like Russell Wilson.

Once that pick is made, the Steelers may start filling out the rest of their roster as they prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft. While the draft is still more than a month away, we may begin to pinpoint some of the team’s other major needs, such as improving the offensive line.

The Pittsburgh Steelers might use their first-round pick in a variety of ways, just like they did last year. Positions such as cornerback, wide receiver, and offensive line are all in need. Last year, however, the Steelers added Joey Porter Jr., a top cornerback draft pick. George Pickens is firmly established as the No. 1 receiver, thus the Steelers may be able to address the receiving situation later.

But what about the offensive line? That has been a big weakness for some years, affecting this offence in a variety of ways. Perhaps that’s why some NFL experts believe the Steelers should’reach’ to meet probably their most pressing need.

The most recent example comes from Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda. His most recent NFL mock draft has the Steelers picking Alabama’s JC Latham, an offensive tackle, but he also included a surprise name that many may not expect: Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon’s centre.

Powers-Johnson has rapidly risen up the draft boards and is widely regarded as the top centre available in the 2024 NFL Draft class. According to Pauline, he may even hear his name called on the first night of the draft.

With significant holes to fill throughout their interior offensive line, adding a centre with high promise like Powers-Johnson may be an excellent approach for the Steelers to improve in the trenches. Otherwise, there is always free agency.