Well, how the turntables turn. There’s been a serious quarterback quandry in Pittsburgh the past few years, but the Steelers are assuredly elated with the play of QB Russell Wilson so far. Wilson is undefeated in three starts for the black and gold, and the offense is scoring over thirty points per game. Thus, for the first time this year, I didn’t consider adding a quarterback to this list. That must be incredibly refreshing for the fan-base.

With that in mind, let’s look at some of the bigger games of the week, and some of the noteworthy players who will look to improve upon their draft stock.

Raheim Sanders, RB, South Carolina

Keeping up with the running back theme, Sanders is another north and south back, just like Steelers OC Arthur Smith prefers. He started his career at Arkansas and was an All-SEC second-team selection in 2022. Unfortunately, he battled a litany of injuries in 2023 and ultimately transferred to an SEC rival.

He has bounced back strongly, toting the rock for 570 yards and 8 scores on just 116 rushes this season. The 6’2, 225 lb. back needs to add a bit more versatility to his game, or he will exclusively be used on early downs. His South Carolina Gamecocks will take on the Missouri Tigers in an important SEC clash.

Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois

Bryant is one of the most polished players in the BIG 10 and has propelled himself from a potential late-round pick to an established mid-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s a prototypical outside receiver, like Steelers’ George Pickens, who can routinely make catches away from his frame. His enormous wingspan gives him an above-average catch radius and will certainly be a welcome addition for a Russell Wilson “moonball” in the Pittsburgh offense.

The three-star recruit has overachieved, and I would bet he outperforms his draft position in the league. He’s having a career year, averaging 64.7 yards per game, and has hauled in 7 TDs.

Kaimon Rucker, EDGE, North Carolina

Rucker is only 6’1, 265 lbs., but he plays much bigger than that. His violent hands and big-time burst allow him to consistently create havoc against opposing quarterbacks. Two weeks ago against Virginia, he had one of the best defensive games of any player this season, racking up 8 tackles, with 3 sacks and an interception.

He should be on the Steelers' radar if OLB Preston Smith is not retained this offseason.

His Tar Heels will take on Wake Forest at 8 PM ET on the ACC Network this Saturday.

Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

Watching the number-one-ranked team in the nation is always mandatory anyway, right? It’s even more fun when you get to see one of the best offensive linemen in the upcoming class.

Conerly Jr. is an athletic technician at the position, and the former five-star recruit has a very polished game at just 21 years old. He’s generating a ton of buzz because Oregon football has become a must-watch. The Ducks are not as pass-heavy as they have previously been, carrying roughly a 52-48 run-pass split, which has enabled scouts to evaluate all facts of his game.

He has great burst as a puller and is impactful in the short passing game. It’s a longshot the Steelers draft another offensive lineman early, but never say never when it comes to GM Omar Khan building the trenches.

Who will you be watching this weekend? Let us know in the comments section!