This game contrasts two styles; Washington’s high-flying aerial attack going up against Michigan’s dominant pass-rush. Whichever prevails could go a long way in determining draft position come this April.
Here are five players that would fit the Steelers to keep a close eye on.
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan went to the Big 10 well last year and selected DT Keeanu Benton out of Wisconsin in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft. Benton exceeded expectations, as Pro Football Focus recently ranked him in their top 15 rookies this season.
The Steelers have an aging D-line however, with the likes of Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi on the backends of their careers, so adding additional help up front would be beneficial.
Jenkins is more of a two-down run-stuffer, but he’s one of the best in the country at his position. He was a driving force behind Michigan’s semi-final win over Alabama.
This 6’4, 320 lb. Huskies’ mauler will be tasked with containing the aforementioned Jenkins. That matchup is one to circle, as both are projected mid-late first-round picks.
Fautanu made 15 starts at left tackle this season for Washington. He’s an explosive pass-blocker with NFL length and a tone-setting demeanor. He also has plenty of experience in a zone-rush attack system, which the Steelers have often used as of late.
Pittsburgh has an obvious need at tackle, as finding a compliment for last year’s top selection, Broderick Jones, is critical
No offense to Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. – but Odunze should have won the Biletnikoff Award for the nation’s top wideout. Odunze hauled in 87 passes for 1,553 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Huskies this season. In contrast, Harrison had 67 catches for 1,211 yards and 14 scores. You really can’t go wrong with either — I can see a scenario where both players are top 15 selections in the NFL draft.
McCarthy is a true dual-threat QB, which is desired in today’s NFL. In three seasons as a Wolverine, McCarthy has scampered for 601 yards and 10 TDs. But it’s his accuracy that really will appeal to QB-needy teams, such as the Steelers. He completed 73.2% of his passes this season, which is third in the FBS.
The biggest question surrounding McCarthy isn’t about his skillset, it’s if he’ll declare. He’s only a Junior and could try and improve his stock for one more season.
Penix Jr. put on an absolute clinic against the Texas Longhorns in the Sugar Bowl, completing 29 of 38 passes for 430 yards and two TDs. Watching Penix Jr. is like watching a beautiful rom-com. His pinpoint throws are poetry in motion, and it’s unquestioned that his accuracy is unmatched. I like to call him the Steve Nash of college football because he’s constantly dropping dimes.
