Mike Tomlin’s Definitive Update on the Center Position During 2022 Pre-Draft Press Conference

[Steeler Nation]

It’s finally draft week! The 2022 NFL Draft is just three days away and Pittsburgh Steelers general manager, Kevin Colbert, and head coach, Mike Tomlin, took to the media today for a pre-draft press conference. There’s been much speculation about what the team is looking to do in the first round and beyond, and all of that was addressed this afternoon.

There were many topics discussed, including specifically the team’s center position on the offensive line. We know that last year’s third round pick (88th overall) by the Steelers, Kendrick Green was the starting center in the 2021 season until he was replaced by JC Hassenauer. Green struggled mightily throughout the season as he continued to make the leap from collegiate guard, to professional center, as well as battled injuries down the stretch. This off-season however, we’ve seen photos of him working out with former Steelers’ All-Pro center, Maurkice Pouncey, very well meaning that Green’s time at center just might not be over quite yet. The team stated earlier this off-season that they’re “open” to moving Green to another position, but wants to take the rest of the summer to fully evaluate his progress.

According to Pro Football Focus, Green played 975 total snaps (17th overall), had a whopping 9 penalties (2nd overall), and allowed 3 sacks (tied for 5th overall), all in the 2021 season. As Green continues to put on muscle and get more and more comfortable at the center position, yinz can expect these numbers to dramatically improve, even if that means in a backup role.

Pittsburgh Steelers center, Kendrick Green (#53) during pregame walk throughs in Buffalo during the season opener in 2021 against the Bills. | Photo via Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO

---

Vegas Predicts Mike Tomlin to have First Losing Season in 2022​

---

Of course, early in the 2022 off-season, the Steelers made a new acquisition in acquiring former Arizona Cardinals‘ and former Minnesota Vikings‘ center, Mason Cole. Cole signed a three-year contract with the Steelers worth $15.75 million and will receive $11m in the first two years of the deal. Cole finished last season playing 471 snaps, and had 0 penalties. He allowed 2 sacks on 264 pass protection reps. Right now, he’s the projected starter at the center position for 2022 via the team’s website, but that could all change after the draft and training camp. When asked specifically about the battle for the center position, coach T responded with this:

“We’re going to let it play out. It’s good to have position flexibility. We have some guys that are capable. It’s important to have not only a starter capable guy, but some depth. And we just feel good about the list of candidates that we have.”

Former Arizona Cardinals’ and former Minnesota Vikings’ center, Mason Cole (#52) lines up against the New England Patriots. | Photo via Vikings.com


The Steelers also signed James Daniels from the Chicago Bears this off-season, so the interior of the offensive line is looking rather replenished from a season ago, and we still haven’t had the draft yet. Look for the Steelers to possibly add another body or two upfront, and we will keep you posted on the minicamp and training camp battles to come. Some names to look out for that may fall to the Steelers in the first few rounds are Zion Johnson out of Boston College, and Kenyon Green, out of Texas A&M.



How do yinz feel about the center position as of right now? Should the Steelers continue to add to the group via the draft and/or free agency? Or are yinz comfortable seeing Green, Hassenauer, and Cole battle it out!? Click to comment below! And if you missed it, watch the full press conference from today, here.

#SteelerNation

Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..

 

[slashsteel]

I feel the Steelers went out of their way to make sure Green didn't have to be forced into the lineup again. Hopefully he will improve on his disaster of a season. If not he won't be around long.

 

[SteelerFan448]

I feel the Steelers went out of their way to make sure Green didn't have to be forced into the lineup again. Hopefully he will improve on his disaster of a season. If not he won't be around long.

They did make sure they had a capable starter, but not one talented enough to guarantee Green is on the bench. I would love to be wrong about Green and see him develop into a stud.