Steelers Receive Subtle Warning About Selecting Center In First Round Of 2024 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers will likely select an offensive lineman in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The expected specific position should be a tackle, but there is also a glaring need at center. There has only been one center in the franchise's history chosen in the first round: Maurkice Pouncey. The class is extremely deep at tackle, but not so much so when it comes to the centers. This has risen serious speculation about what General Manager Omar Khan will do when it is his first turn to pick.

First-round picks aren't just valuable because they are looked at as the best talent in any given draft. All organizations also have control over the players through their initial five seasons, if the highly-talked about fifth-year option is picked up. Teams strategically choose prospects in round one that are of need, but also could potentially cost much more down the line.

This was brought to the surface on Monday when Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap put out an analysis of what positions are the most costly in today's NFL. It's safe to say that it would be much more fiscally responsible for the Steelers and Khan to go after a bookend tackle, rather than making a move to select Duke's Graham Barton or Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson.

The data is not directly pointed at the Steelers, but it might be extremely wise to take note of it. Pittsburgh put themselves in a serious predicament after releasing the inconsistent Mason Cole. He may not have been performing at an acceptable level, but his departure could lead Khan to force a selection in round one that isn't worth the lack of a fifth-year option.

The information posted by Fitzgerald can give teams a good idea of which positions are worth having that fifth year of control. The Steelers aren't in need of a quarterback, but the wide receiver spot, as well as the left and right tackle areas are seemingly a better investment for the long-term plans. Luckily for Pittsburgh, the tackle class is loaded.

Both Nate Herbig and Spencer Anderson could hypothetically compete for the center spot if Khan elects to stay away from the position in the draft. A tackle may be crucial in the development of 2023 first-rounder Broderick Jones. He will remain on the right side if Dan Moore Jr. is the second best option on the depth chart. However, a plug and play tackle at 20 provides the option for the team to move Jones over to the left and start a rookie on the right.

The draft is more than just selecting guys who can fulfill holes on the roster. The future is just as important and the Steelers are one of the better franchises when it comes to looking ahead. Drafting a tackle in round one could solidify a line of Jones and the rookie through at least the 2027 campaign. There are also other center prospects, such as Penn State's Hunter Nourzad that should be available in the mid-to-later rounds.

Steelers And Khan Gearing Up For Exciting Draft

Regardless of what direction Pittsburgh goes early on in the 2024 NFL Draft, it is certainly going to get the fan base pumped up for the season. Khan is unpredictable in nearly every aspect, which should provide fans with an electrifying weekend. It's not just about 2024, however, and going with a tackle may be the wiser decision, while a center could be pawned off until the later rounds.

Do you think that the Steelers should stay away from drafting a center in round one? Let us know in the comments below!

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