Wish List Wednesday: Could Steelers add another JPJ?

The Steelers hired their offensive coordinator yesterday, kicking off how they are going to orchestrate their offense. So, in this Wish List Wednesday, we will look at someone who will fit what the Steelers want. And he might be the answer to one of the Steelers many priorities going into the offseason. 

When you think about the list of Pittsburgh Steelers centers, you think about greatness. You think about the gel that glues the offensive line together. That vocal leader that dominates the trenches. You think of Mike Webster, Dermontti Dawson, and Maurkice Pouncey—all Hall of Famers or future Hall of Famers. Who knows -- maybe they can find their next Hall of Fame center?

Jackson Powers-Johnson has the potential to be that guy. The Steelers have missed out on the last three drafts by getting their future long-term center. But when you think of Pittsburgh Steelers centers, Powers-Johnson fits the bill. He’s got that nasty streak to him. When watching his film, I kept seeing him throw defenders on the ground. That right there is the raw power and nastiness the Steelers need.

He runs through defenders like running backs do, can you imagine him paving the way for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren? 

He isn’t the longest guy. But he makes up for it with his low center of gravity and explosiveness. And that produces his power which fits the Steelers perfectly. And word on the street is he is dominating in the Senior Bowl practices. His hand placement will need work, but if that is his only main weakness, he will be a great ball player wherever he ends up. 

If everything goes right, the Steelers found yet another great center. His potential is through the roof. The Steelers would have found their cornerstones on their offensive line in back-to-back years. There is no reason for the offensive line to struggle with talents like Jones and Powers-Johnson. And it works with Arthur Smith’s offense. If he flops, he will still be better than Mason Cole. It seems like a win-win for the Steelers. 

Here is my only predicament. I don’t think he lasts to the Steelers round two pick. There might be better players at pick 20, so do the Steelers draft for the best or high potential players at positions of need. In their ground and pound offense, Powers-Johnson is the perfect pick, even if he goes slightly above where he’s slotted. The Steelers have some tough decisions to make. 



As always, let me know what you think about Jackson Powers-Johnson and if you think the Steelers should take him in the first round.