Mike Tomlin hints at Steelers' plans for first-round pick

The Steelers could go several ways with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

They have major needs at wide receiver, offensive tackle and center, but head coach Mike Tomlin hinted at what position Pittsburgh could use its first pick at on Monday.

During the annual league meeting, Tomlin told reporters there "needs to be work done at center and receiver." What he said next may have given away the Steelers' plans.

Tomlin added that he believes many wide receivers can come in and contribute as soon as possible while "after a couple centers in the draft, it will likely not be plug and play."

The Steelers need a new starting center after releasing Mason Cole earlier this offseason. If they don't want to risk losing out on landing one, securing a center with their first-round pick makes sense.

If that's the case, the name to watch is Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson. He ranks as the best center and No. 19 overall prospect on Pro Football Focus' big board.

It's not often that centers are taken in the first round, but Powers-Johnson is deserving after being named a first-team All-American and allowing just one pressure on 471 pass-blocking opportunities in 2023.

Pittsburgh hasn't been shy in its interest in the 6-foot-3, 320-pound center. Tomlin reportedly paid close attention to Powers-Johnson at the Reese's Senior Bowl in January.

There is still about a month until the draft for the Steelers to fill their vacancies. General manager Omar Khan added that a potential trade to find a center is not out of the realm of possibility, per The Athletic's Mark Kaboly.

Until Pittsburgh adds a starting-caliber center to its roster, the position should remain at the top of the team's draft board.