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5 college players that Steelers fans need to watch in 2021

By Ryan Pawloski

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats looks on from the sideline during a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats looks on from the sideline during a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: Evan Neal #73 of the Alabama Crimson Tide sits in his stance. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: Evan Neal #73 of the Alabama Crimson Tide sits in his stance. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Steelers fans love football and they should pay close attention to these players during the upcoming college season.

Every Steelers fan is always wondering who the next big star for this team will be. There seems to be a lot of change with this team coming after the 2021 season concludes. That means that this upcoming draft class in 2022 is going to be very important for the Steelers future.

Their competitive level as a team could sink significantly if they do not find answers across multiple positions this upcoming offseason via free agency and the NFL Draft. There will be possible glaring needs at spots like offensive tackle, quarterback, cornerback, wide receiver, and potentially others.

It is going to be a lot of work to overhaul this group but it isn’t impossible. There are some solid players entering this draft that could make immediate impacts for Pittsburgh.

Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Evan Neal will be one of the top tackles in this draft class. He is a huge man at 6’7 and 360 pounds of physicality. He moves his opponents lined up across from him and has an overall solid game, and he plays solid competition each week in the SEC Conference and that will help boost his stock.

Neal needs to be careful with the weight not getting any higher but this guy is super athletic for his size. He can move and has good footwork. His technique could be more consistent at times and if he can improve that, then this player will be a slam-dunk prospect. Neal could be a top ten pick if he keeps growing his game from where it left off last season.

In addition, he also has prior experience as a tackle and a guard, so that will also catch the eye of NFL teams. The Steelers might need a tackle if Zach Banner, Chuks Okorafor, or Dan Moore Jr. don’t work out in 2021. Neal will go earlier in the draft so he might not make it to their selection but he is someone to keep an eye on nonetheless.

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