The launch of the college football playoff has finally arrived and the 12 teams that made the tournament are littered with NFL talent – as you can imagine. I’d argue that this week’s slate will offer the most exciting games; these 5 players are a big reason. They will represent needs that the Steelers should focus on as they look to bolster an already talented roster in 2025.
1. Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
I’ve discussed ad nauseum the Steeler’s choice to decline RB Najee Harris’ fifth-year option this offseason — and that decision is looking better each week. As much as I like Najee, his recent numbers tell a bleak story. He’s averaging just 3.21 yards per attempt and 49.8 yards per game since the Steelers bye week. He also fumbled in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday at an inopportune time.
The Associated Press voted Sampson as the SEC offensive player of the year following an eye-opening season, scampering for 1,485 yards and 22 TDs. He’ll face an Ohio State defense that ranks sixth in the country in rushing yards allowed so the rubber will meet the road in a must-watch quarterfinal showdown on Saturday night.
2. Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
Rookie G Chas McCormick has all the makings of a future star and was certainly a big steal in last year’s draft. Still, I’d assume the Steelers will eventually be looking for another young stud to take the place of Isaac Seumalo, who will turn 32 next October.
Jackson has been a standout in Ohio State’s zone run scheme, something Steelers OC Arthur Smith has made his bread and butter over the years. He has big-time play strength, and his hand placement has improved mightily over the past few seasons. Jackson will be facing arguably the best defensive line in the sport in the Volunteers. In my eyes, he currently projects as a late first-round selection.
3. Mikail Kamara, DT, Indiana
You can pencil in the Steelers drafting a defensive lineman in the first three rounds as they continue to follow the Eagles’ playbook of building from the inside out. Ever since assistant GM Andy Wiedl arrived in the Burgh’ (former Eagles VP of player personnel) we’ve seen the team draft five offensive linemen in the past two drafts, including first-round selections of Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. They’ve also drafted two defensive linemen, including rising star Keeanu Benton.
I’d anticipate that the trend will continue, and Kamara is a fast riser in this draft process. An unranked player coming out of high school, he struggled to find his footing in his first two collegiate seasons. Pittsburgh native and Hoosier’s head coach Curt Cignetti has changed the culture in Bloomington and has also turned Kamara into one of the best players in the country. This season Kamara has racked up 10 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. I’d anticipate him being a mid-round pick.
4. Cody Simon, OLB, Ohio State
Simon has been the anchor of a Buckeyes defense that leads college football in points allowed, yards per game allowed, and rushing yards per game allowed. The fifth-year senior overcame multiple setbacks throughout his duration at Ohio State, including a shocking benching in 2022, after an above-average 2021 campaign.
His playing time dipped, but his work ethic did not. The three-time all-academic Big 10 selection is second on the team in tackles and is constantly disruptive in the backfield. He’s projected to run around a 4.50 forty, so his speed is well above average at the position. He can play both inside and outside linebacker, and projects as a mid-round selection.
5. Brashard Smith, RB/WR, SMU
What an interesting case study Smith is. He was a wide receiver for three years at Miami before transferring to SMU in the fall. And suddenly he’s become one of the best running backs in the nation. The versatile playmaker ran for 1,270 yards and 14 TDs this year for the surprising Mustangs and is the stir that straws the drink for the electric, fast-paced offense that hopes to build upon one of the best seasons in program history as they take on Penn State in Happy Valley on Saturday.
Brashard Smith is one of CFB's most underrated backs.
He’s elusive and has great burst, as displayed on this Power run vs TCU.
SMU gets two double teams, one at the point of attack and another at the second level, while the pulling guard picks up the play side linebacker. pic.twitter.com/sI01J2Q754
— Cole Topham (@crtopham_) December 19, 2024
Who will you be keeping a close eye on this weekend? Let us know in the comments section!
