Now that the Pittsburgh Steelers season is over, we can turn our attention to the 2025 NFL Draft — a critical one for the black and gold considering the holes on the roster and their current Super Bowl window with stars like T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward. Heyward, of course, is an Ohio State graduate, and the Buckeyes will be looking to win their ninth National Championship when they take on Notre Dame on Monday, in Atlanta.
The Buckeyes are currently an 8.5-point favorite because they are loaded with talent, and there are more than a few prospects that Pittsburgh should have high on their draft boards. The Fighting Irish do not lack star power either, especially in their secondary, which is a critical spot for Pittsburgh to upgrade.
Here are five dudes worth watching on Monday night’s College Football !
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Egbuka is already the most popular name in Steelers’ circles due to their lack of production from the receiver position, and their natural obsession with Ohio State prospects. George Pickens’ name has also been thrown around in trade rumors, which would leave their cupboard entirely bare — assuming they don’t re-sign WR Van Jefferson and hybrid RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson.
The best thing about Egbuka is that he can be an immediate contributor from day one. He’s not the fastest or the tallest wideout, but he’s an elite route runner and one of the most polished players in the draft. He has an incredibly low floor. He has snagged 70 passes for 896 yards and 6 TDs this season. I think he’s a three-level set receiver, in that he can be used in the screen game, intermediate passing game, and even the occasional moon-ball.
He’s projected to go behind Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan and Missouri WR Luther Burden III, making it feasible for him to drop to pick 21.
Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State
The Steelers are likely set at tackle next season, with Broderick Jones manning the left side while Troy Fautanu returns from injury to anchor the right side. Jackson played guard until this season when injuries to the Ohio State front thrust him into the starting left tackle spot. He did not miss a beat, allowing just two sacks in 2024. He played a flawless semi-final against Texas.
Donovan Jackson vs Texas in 38 pass pro snaps at LT:
• 0 pressures
• 0 hurries
• 0 QB hits
• 0 sacks allowed
Sensational outing for a rock solid Day 1 pick in a few months.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) January 11, 2025
Jackson’s versatility makes him a candidate to slide in at guard, his natural position and is a feasible replacement for James Daniels, who likely will command too much on the open market for the black and gold’s liking.
Jackson has great length at 6’4, 225 lbs., and a high football IQ, and would pair nicely with Mason McCormack to hold down the interior for the next decade.
He projects as a late first or early second round pick.
Josh Simmons is another Buckeye lineman who will be drafted early, but his future is at tackle.
Treyveon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
We’re on a serious Ohio State kick here, but once more, they are loaded with offensive talent.
The four-year-back has plenty of tread on his tires, which is generally not something NFL GMs and scouts look for in a running back. But it also speaks to his high level of talent. To command a blue-blood program’s backfield for four years is impressive. Henderson has scampered for over 900 yards and double-digit TDs in his last two seasons.
His explosiveness was on full display in Ohio State’s semi-final win over the Texas Longhorns, turning a screen into a house call:
Exactly how TreVeyon Henderson will slide into an NFL offense right away.
Dynamic/explosiveness in the passing game and in the perimeter run game.pic.twitter.com/njrS1jDkfk
— Snoog's Fantasy HQ (@FFSnoog) January 11, 2025
He’s a legitimate weapon in both the pass and run game and profiles as a mid-round pick, so he won’t break the bank.
Xavier Watts, DB, Notre Dame
Watts is the most talented player on the Irish roster, and that was on full display this season as he won the Bronco Nagurski Trophy, given to college football’s best defensive player.
He’s arguably the most versatile defender in the entire class, having played linebacker, nickel corner, safety, and even some wide receiver! His wideout chops helped lead the country in interceptions this season, as the ball-hawk snatched seven picks. At any moment he can flip a game on its head.
Although his future might be at safety, I don’t care if the Steelers have Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott. Watts is a Swiss army knife that can be utilized to help with one very important thing – win football games.
Howard Cross III, DL, Notre Dame
Defensive line is another position the Steelers must address this offseason, as I’d anticipate Larry Ogunjobi hitting the open market. Cross, a natural 3-tech, might ultimately fit best in a 4-3 defensive scheme – but there’s no doubt he’s a really good player. He’s a bit undersized but he has a high motor and big time burst. He’s also a former state champion wrestler – and the Steelers struck gold with another undersized wrestler last season in C Zach Frazier.
Cross III projects as a mid-round selection and would be a high-character player on the defensive unit.
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Pro Football Focus ranked 123 cornerbacks who logged at least 180+ coverage snaps throughout the regular season, into the first round of the playoffs. Cam Sutton was 120th and Donte Jackson was 119th.
Most of us have pegged wideout as the Steelers’ biggest hole, but defensive back, outside of Joey Porter Jr., needs a major overhaul.
Morrison is a projected first-round pick (if he declares) and one of the most talented players in the country, but unfortunately, he will miss the National Championship due to injury. You can’t watch him in this game but take some time to watch his highlights from this past season!
Who’s on your radar that we missed? Let us know in the comments section!
