The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2024 NFL Draft with a clear need at the center position. As the draft began, they found incredible value with their 20th overall pick, selecting offensive lineman Troy Fautanu. Fautanu joins an improving offensive line that has struggled in the past and is expected to be a key piece in building a formidable unit for the future.
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While the Fautanu pick was celebrated, the Steelers still hadn't addressed their need at center. Two centers were considered worthy of a second-round selection, but the Steelers were concerned they might not get their preferred choice. Jackson Powers-Johnson was selected before the Steelers were on the clock, but that was fine because Zach Frazier was still available in round two. The team secured Frazier without having to trade up, marking a perfect start to an exciting draft for Pittsburgh.
Despite these improvements, the Steelers could still benefit from an insurance policy. Matt Holder of Bleacher Report suggested that Pittsburgh should add a veteran, versatile offensive lineman to their roster, recommending Nick Gates as a valuable addition.
“With three out of five projected starting offensive linemen still on rookie contracts, the Steelers are pretty young in the trenches so it couldn't hurt to add a veteran. Building on that, Zach Frazier is penciled in as the team's starting center and Frazier is coming off a late-season leg injury last fall.”
Frazier did something remarkable in his final college game. Despite suffering a serious leg injury while blocking for his teammate, he forced himself off the field to give West Virginia the best chance to win. The Mountaineers went on to victory, but Frazier's college career ended with that injury.
Holder believes that adding a veteran like Gates, who is both affordable and versatile, would provide Pittsburgh with a crucial safety net in case Frazier's injury limits him or struggles as a rookie. Though Gates is listed as a tackle, he has played center, guard, and left guard during his five-year NFL career, starting 39 games.
“Gates could serve as an insurance policy if the team wants to ease Frazier in, and the five-year veteran has experience playing all three interior offensive line positions in the NFL. He could at least be a decent backup option for the team.”
If all else fails, Gates could be a solid backup option for the Steelers. He would also provide much-needed depth to a roster filled with young talent, offering valuable knowledge and leadership. Since leaving the New York Giants, Gates has struggled to find a stable position, and he was released by the Washington Commanders after just one season. Now seeking his next opportunity in the NFL, Holder believes, the 28 year old, Gates would be an ideal fit for the Steelers.
During the 2023 season, Gates started 10 games for the Commanders, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 66.1 for both pass blocking and run blocking. In comparison, the Steelers' starting center for the 2023 season, Mason Cole, received a grade of 57.3. Cole's struggles led to his release early in the offseason. Gates would be a slight upgrade from Cole and provide a solid backup option if the Steelers pursued him. Additionally, he would be an affordable and valuable veteran presence in the group.
Steelers Have Been Attacking Their Offensive Line
The Steelers' offensive line has struggled for several years, consistently ranking among the bottom tier of the league. In 2023, they made a significant effort to improve by trading up to draft Broderick Jones. Jones showed promise, starting 11 games in his rookie season, and the Steelers are optimistic that he will continue to develop and reach his full potential.
In addition to Jones, the Steelers added Isaac Seumalo ahead of the 2023 season. They further bolstered their offensive line in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Fautanu, Frazier, and guard Mason McCormick. This clear focus on improving the offensive line has given the Steelers a unit with serious potential. Adding a veteran like Gates could provide valuable depth and experience, offering small but meaningful benefits to the team.
