Now that the College Football Playoffs are shrunk down to four teams, the top projected prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft have a lot to gain. If they perform well in the biggest moments of these games, it could see the Pittsburgh Steelers and other clubs around the NFL pushing them up draft boards.
This week should help determine which top prospects truly possess elite talent, while others may struggle to keep up.
The two games this week will see Ole Miss take on Miami in the Fiesta Bowl. Both clubs are coming off upsets and are hoping to ride that momentum into the title game. The other contest will see Indiana battle with Oregon in the Peach Bowl. It will be the battle of the top projected quarterbacks in the upcoming draft, with Dante Moore going up against Fernando Mendoza.
Elite talents are competing in these games, but some prospects are not receiving enough attention.
Pittsburgh Steelers possible NFL Draft prospects are under the spotlight in the CFP
Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
He looked like a magician last week when Ole Miss pulled off the massive upset over the Georgia Bulldogs. Trinidad Chambliss is a quarterback who has been flying under the radar, but last week might've finally catapulted him onto the map. The Steelers could be in the market for a young signal caller in the draft, and it would be beneficial if another top prospect at the position emerged.
One word that describes Chambliss throughout his college career is efficient. This is his first campaign at Ole Miss after being the starter at Ferris State. The young passer produced a strong showing as a Rebel, but that lone campaign could hurt his draft stock.
Chambliss is trying to return to Ole Miss next season, but no matter what the NCAA decision is, the Steelers could target the quarterback in the 2026 or 2027 NFL Draft.
Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
Few expected Miami to pull off the upset against Ohio State, but the Hurricanes found a way to victory. One of the biggest moments was by Keionte Scott, who intercepted the Buckeyes' star quarterback and returned it for a touchdown. He is currently projected to be selected on Day Two of the draft, but a strong playoff performance could push Scott closer to first-round consideration.
Pittsburgh will need reinforcements in the secondary with plenty of free agents scheduled to depart the team this offseason. Scott is a versatile defender who can fill multiple roles and could address several needs for the Steelers. The defensive back can line up in multiple roles, having shown the ability to play outside corner, in the slot, and with potential at safety.
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A'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
It might not seem like a pressing need, but the Steelers could have a look at the defensive line in the draft. Cam Heyward has still defeated Father Time, but his sack numbers have dipped this season. Still, he's 36 years old, and the club should continue to invest in the trenches each year with young talent. Enter A'Mauri Washington, who is a fantastic defensive tackle coming out of Oregon.
He was the teammate of Derrick Harmon, who Pittsburgh selected with the first round pick in the last NFL Draft. They should have seen tape on Washington, and his play has only gotten better this past campaign. The Ducks are producing strong NFL talent along the defensive line, and Washington is next up.
He is a massive player to install in the trenches, and could help replace Heyward whenever he decides to retire.
Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana
He hasn't necessarily lived up to the hype, but Roman Hemby is someone who has Pittsburgh target written all over him. The running back prospect is an intriguing piece to consider in the upcoming draft, and a strong outing in the college football playoffs would help his cause. He is coming off a strong performance against Alabama, and it could lead to a massive tournament for him.
Hemby played at Maryland before transferring to Indiana this season. Mike Tomlin loves Maryland players, and Hemby could be his next draft darling. Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell were a terrific duo this year, but Gainwell is set to price himself away from the Steelers this offseason. Hemby could help stabilize the running back group in case Kaleb Johnson fails to improve next year.