Before the draft: Center
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Draft Potential:
- Day 1: MODERATE TO HIGH
- Day 2: MODERATE
Until last week, the future at center was crystal clear: All-Pro Jeff Hartings was the starter. Then he retired.
Now, the Steelers’ coaching staff must be feeling a sudden need to bolster the middle of their offensive line. Hartings and guard Alan Faneca were the only solid performers on a weekly basis in 2006, so the need for a strong anchor to replace the departed Hartings is a must.
The new favorite for the position is Chukky Okobi (which is a lot easier to say than his full name: Chukwunweze Sonume Okobi), who has played well, but sparingly. Hartings fought through a number of problems with his knees and started most of the games played since 2001. In his rare absences — and in situations where he needed to rest for a play or two — Okobi was the go-to guy. He was a low-round draft pick (round 5, pick #15) and has been sitting on the bench for his entire six-year career, so what he is actually capable of remains to be seen. He is a little heavier than Hartings, but shorter, which could play to the Steelers’ advantage if his technique improves on running downs.
Behind Okobi is 2006 rookie Marvin Philip. Philip is slightly older than most rookies at 25, and is also a late-round pick (round 6, 201st pick overall). Philip played center for the University of California and was named a first-team All-American in 2005 by the Associated Press. That same year, he was named the team MVP and was called the best center in the NCAA by The Sporting News. At 6′-1″ and 307 lbs., he is just a smidge heavier than Hartings. Scouting reports prior to the 2006 draft noted that he is strong and funamentally sound, but could be a liability if a play breaks down.
Free-agent centers are few and far between this year. The top prospect in the league is LeCharles Bentley of New Orleans, but Kevin Mawae of the Jets is also available. Mawae may fit the current scheme better with his smaller size (6′-4″, 289lbs.) but already has 12 seasons under his belt and may become more of a liability than an asset as the season progresses. Bentley is only in his 4th year and had a great season protecting Drew Brees.
Ultimately the team needs a good, all-around center. A lot is generally expected of a Steelers center, including pulling on outside runs (Dermontti Dawson was one of the best at this). Small and strong fits better in this scheme than just being big. However, with a new head coach and a new offensive coordinator, the needs may change somewhat. This is a position that will need a lot of focus leading up to the draft and in the free-agency period.
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