The College Football Championship has officially wrapped up, and the Ohio State Buckeyes have come out victorious. To the victors go the spoils, and the entire NFL will be keen on adding players from this talented roster to their own during the draft. The Steelers have loved Ohio State, although they have recently avoided the school for some unknown reason.
This year could certainly buck that trend. The Buckeyes have a lot of pro-caliber players, and Pittsburgh's roster needs a refresh. On both offense and defense, this team can target some champions to better their overall roster. Here are six prospects from the CFB Championship that the Steelers need to target on draft day.
Steelers could draft Denzel Burke
The need at cornerback is an understated one, and it feels like they could target one at any pick in the draft. If Donte Jackson is brought back, the immediate need won’t be there, but finding another tall and long cornerback to develop on the outside is never a bad idea. Denzel Burke fits that mold and has a history of strong play.
Burke was supposed to be the top cornerback in college this past year, but his senior season was more of a down year than anything else. He was picked on at times, and he has seen his stock tumble out of the first round. He also projects as a mediocre athlete, further adding to his draft tumble. That said, the Steelers landing him on day two could give him some time to develop into a more than capable starter on the outside, as he has all of the tools to be successful.
Steelers could draft Will Howard
Like cornerback, it feels like the Steelers could draft a quarterback almost anywhere outside of the first round, and that is due to a lack of top options and not the need to justify the pick. Will Howard has had an electrifying college career which should get him drafted. The question is where, and what will his ceiling be.
Pittsburgh will love his size and the fact that he is comfortable moving around in the pocket despite how big he is. His arm is good, and he times passes well for his receivers to make plays. That said, he feels like a guy who was elevated by the immense talent around him. After the first two quarterbacks, it seems like a crapshoot as to who will go where, and we could see Howard rise.
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My guess is that he is a fringe day two guy, going somewhere between the third and fourth round though. While getting your franchise quarterback there is unlikely, Howard has some traits to work with and is very experienced. At worst, he should become a decent second option for a team, and Pittsburgh should consider adding him to a room that lacks answers.
Steelers could draft either Ohio State running back
The last four names on this list feel like the best possibilities. Ohio State’s offense was powered by TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, and while both had a successful season, they likely hurt each other's stock as neither got to command a backfield.
Judkins seems like the higher-end prospect. He is a tad younger, has better size, and was the more explosive player in school. Henderson is right behind though, as he is the tougher and more physical runner. I slightly favor Henderson because of his style and the fact that he should go in the third round or later, but either back would be an aid for this offense.
Steelers could draft Donovan Jackson
I have a strong feeling that we might see another guard come to the Steelers earlier than later in the draft to eventually replace Isaac Seumalo. A name I’ve had on that short list is Donovan Jackson, as he looked the part of a 10-year starter. He is a well-rounded guard in almost every facet, and while he lacks elite athleticism, he should be plug-and-play early in his career.
Guards tend to slip in the draft though, and ones that lack the elite physical traits can see their stock slide in any given year. I won’t be surprised if he goes somewhere in round three, and if he does, Pittsburgh would be wise to consider him. It would give them further insurance along the inside of their line and a potential young duo at guard for the future.
Steelers could draft Emeka Egbaka
Receiver is arguably the biggest need for the Steelers this offseason, and that is assuming that George Pickens isn’t traded. We saw down the stretch just how ineffective this room was, and it cost the team wins late in the season. A first-round receiver has to be on the board, and Emeka Egbaka has all of the traits to be a strong consideration for this team.
Some are speculating a small fall on draft day, as Egbaka has been typecasted as a slot receiver and could test as less of an athlete than many think he is. Right now he looks like a prime target for the first pick for the Steelers, but he could even fall to the second round. He is a natural separator though and would be a welcome addition to this depleted receiver room.