As the countdown to the 2024 NFL Draft continues, the Pittsburgh Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan face a crucial decision regarding the center position on their roster. With just 22 days to go before the draft kicks off in Detroit, the Steelers have yet to fill the void left by the release of Mason Cole in late February.

In recent months, the Steelers have explored various options to address the center position. Despite looking at the trade market, no concrete moves have been made, leaving the team with a pressing need to find a reliable center before the draft.

The first round of the upcoming draft has become a focal point for the Steelers' search for a center. Prospects such as Jackson Powers-Johnson from Oregon, Graham Barton from Duke, and Zach Frazier from West Virginia have emerged as popular names linked to the team. However, reports suggest that the Steelers may not prioritize securing a center in the first round.

According to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, the Steelers' preference is to address the center position on Day 2 of the draft. Kaboly noted that while a potential top-rated center could sway their decision, the team would rather prioritize adding a center in the second or even third round. This strategy is influenced by their concerns about missing out on top tackle prospects if they were to reach for a center in the first round.

The decision to release Mason Cole without securing a realistic replacement beforehand raised eyebrows in the football community. However, Khan stated that it was a professional courtesy, allowing Cole the opportunity to explore other options around the league. As of now, Cole remains a free agent.

With the draft drawing near, the Steelers have shifted their focus to the deep pool of center prospects available. In addition to Powers-Johnson, Barton, and Frazier, other intriguing options like Sedrick Van Pran-Granger from Georgia, Beaux Limmer from Arkansas, and Hunter Nourzad from Penn State have caught their attention for later rounds.

The Steelers face a challenging situation. Passing on a center in the first round would likely require them to make a trade-up move in the second round to secure a top prospect like Frazier or Powers-Johnson, if they happen to fall. This places Khan and his team in a delicate position, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between addressing the center position and maximizing the value of their draft picks.

When the draft arrives on April 25, the Steelers will have the opportunity to choose from a pool of talented centers and offensive tackles. Prominent names like Amarius Mims from Georgia, JC Latham from Alabama, and Taliese Fuaga from Oregon State could be potential targets in the first round.

The Steelers' draft strategy will undoubtedly shape the rest of their draft plans over the following two days. While they may favor addressing the center position later in the draft, the final decision will ultimately depend on how the draft board unfolds. Steelers fans and football enthusiasts alike eagerly await what the team will ultimately choose to do as they build their roster for the upcoming season.