Despite a relatively weak class, the Pittsburgh Steelers have still shown an interest in the centers in the 2023 NFL Draft. That comes a question to some, considering the job that Mason Cole did in 2022. After signing with the team last offseason, the 27-year-old stabilized the interior part of the offensive line last season. Still, the front office has done its due diligence and shown interest in the top centers of this year’s class.
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Minnesota's John Michael Schmitz is seen as the best center in this year's class.
We’ll see if that comes to fruition in next week’s draft, as Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz is seen as the best one. Recent speculation, like Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, suggested that the team won’t be pursuing a center in that draft. Well, Pro Football Network draft analyst Tony Pauline doesn’t believe the door is closed, as he suggested in his recent article.
"The Houston Texans also need a blocker on the pivot, while the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts are also in the market for a center."
Pauline identifies Schmitz, Wisconsin's Joe Tippmann, and Ohio State's Luke Wypler as the undeniable top three centers in this year's class. Additionally, he states that the Steelers "like" Tippman, while also leaving the door open for them possibly selecting Schmitz to begin the second round. TCU guard Steve Avila is a name that Pauline mentioned as well, as some think he may transition to center in the NFL.
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Ohio State center Luke Wypler is a top-three center in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he wouldn't make much sense for the Steelers.
The Steelers met with the TCU product just a few weeks ago, so there's interest there. While Wypler was a part of Pittsburgh's dinner with Ohio State's offensive line prospects, he's unlikely to end up in the black and gold. Truth is, no one exactly knows what Omar Khan will do in next week’s draft. In his tenure thus far, he’s done whatever it takes to improve Pittsburgh’s roster.
Do you think the Steelers are still interested in drafting a center?
If Khan thinks that means drafting a center, then it’s a possibility. The team does have bigger needs that can be addressed, like offensive tackle, cornerback, and safety. The likelihood of taking a center may have slightly went up this week though after the acquisition of wideout Allen Robinson. Wide receiver was seen as underrated need for Mike Tomlin’s squad, but now the Steelers have a proven No. 3 wideout.
While they still could take a wideout in the middle-to-late rounds, there are now more pressing needs. Calvin Austin III can now go through some growing pains in what will be his first season, as he now will likely be the No. 4 WR. That’s without mentioning 2022 training camp standout Anthony Miller, who missed the whole campaign after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in the preseason.
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The Steelers re-signed veteran WR Anthony Miller to a one-year deal back in January.
Robinson’s addition allowed those guys to move one spot down on the depth chart, thus lessening the need for the position. Ultimately, Pauline's headline of "demand outstrips supply" should signify that center is still unlikely for the black and gold. The Steelers should be content with Cole at center, as there are teams with bigger needs at center. Perhaps the team could look at a guy towards the end of the draft, like Michigan's Olusegun Oluwatimi, but picking one early doesn't make much sense.
Would drafting a center be a mistake with other prevalent needs on the roster? Which of the prospects would fit Pittsburgh the most? What would picking a guy like Schmitz mean for Cole? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites!
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