Steelers Most Inconsistent Player In 2024 Could Absolutely Return Immediately After 2024 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan have done a respectable job throughout the 2024 offseason. The quarterback situation was completely turned around and while time will tell if it pans out, the necessary changes were made. The main concern that the fan base likely has is the wide receiver position, with the units lacking a legitimate number two behind George Pickens. There is another glaring hole, however. The organization likely has absolutely no clue who will be snapping the ball to Russell Wilson or Justin Fields in 2024. The center position is critical and there doesn't seem to be a plan there just yet.

The best internal option as it stands in early April is Nate Herbig, but he wouldn't be looked at as a long-term solution. Rumors of James Daniels moving to the spot have swirled, but it's unlikely given his success at right guard. There are still free-agent solutions out there, although many expect Khan to target the position on either day one or two of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The reality is that the Steelers should be targeting one of the following players coming out of college: Jackson Powers-Johnson, Graham Barton, Zach Frazier or Sedrick Van Pran-Granger. There's no guarantee that any of those guys are available given how they are slotted to go. The most likely option could be Van Pran-Granger in the third round if Pittsburgh elects to pass on Powers-Johnson or Barton in round one.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette addressed the situation at center in his weekly chat on Wednesday. A fan questioned the insider about the return of Mason Cole, the Steelers' starting center for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Dulac was short and sweet in his answer, but it's safe to say that he believes that definitely might make sense.

"I'm in favor of it," Dulac wrote.

That will cause several fans across the world to cringe. Cole was right with Pressley Harvin III as one of the team's most inconsistent players in 2023. He struggled with snaps and was a liability blocking the majority of the time. If the Steelers can't get their guy in the draft, Cole and Herbig could potentially be looking at a starting battle in training camp.

Dulac provided some more clarity about the idea. He noted that the Steelers might not necessarily view Cole as their starting center in 2024. Depending on how the draft goes, it's possible, but they more than likely would be interested in a reunion if it is understood that the veteran will be on the bench unless he needs to be called upon due to injury.

"The Steelers think Mason Cole would be a very good backup. So, yes, I would [bring him back]."

In retrospect, Cole would be a decent backup at the position. He has the experience and leadership qualities any team would desire. The problem with the fan base will come if Pittsburgh doesn't draft someone to be the cornerstone of the line for years to come, and instead, signs Cole to resume his duties as the starter in 2024. That is an unlikely scenario, but the draft weekend is completely unpredictable.

Steelers May Have More Pressing Needs Than At Center

Some believe that center is at the top of the team's draft board. There are other glaring problems at wide receiver, tackle and cornerback that also need to be addressed. Pittsburgh drafts well historically, and Khan's first while in charge of the front office (2023) seems to have been a home run. Fans will have to trust that he can replicate it, but one thing is for sure, drafting a center who can start immediately is the desired outcome.

Would you be open to Cole returning to the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!

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