It could be a coincidence that the Steelers took a look at the top quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft class on Saturday. After all, Alabama and Ohio State are loaded with NFL prospects that go well beyond the quarterback position, but Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud certainly warrant a closer look, even if the Steelers appear to be set for the future at quarterback with Kenny Pickett.
The Tide also had an attractive opponent in Texas, featuring star running back Bijan Robinson and a couple of players that could more attractive to the Steelers in Isaiah Nero and Keondre Coburn.
Alabama: QB Bryce Young, OLB Will Anderson Jr., CB Eli Ricks, CB Malachi Moore, S Jordan Battle, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, LB Henry To’oTo’o, WR Jermaine Burton, DT Byron Young, CB Brian Branch, TE Cameron Latu, OT Javion Cohen, DL Justin Eboigbe, OG Emil Ekiyor Jr., OLB Chris Braswell, DL DJ Dale, S DeMarcco Hellams, LB Demouy Kennedy, RB Jesse McClellan, PK Will Reichard, C Darrian Dalcourt, DL Tim Smith
Texas: RB Bijan Robinson, LB DeMarvion Overshown, TE Jahleel Billingsley, WR Isaiah Nero, DL Keondre Coburn, RB Roschon Johnson, DL Moro Ojomo, OT Christian Jones, WR Troy Omeire, DL Alfred Collins, QB Hudson Card, RB Keilan Robinson, DL T’Vondre Sweat
The Buckeyes hosted — and thrashed — Arkansas State, so the whole draw for the Steelers to scout here were the guys in scarlet and gray. Jaxon Smith-Njigba might be the No. 1 wide receiver in the draft, and tackle Paris Johnson Jr. is just what the Steelers need to help fix an ailing offensive line.
OSU: QB C.J. Stroud, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, OT Paris Johnson Jr., DE Zach Harrison, OT Dawand Jones, CB Lathan Ransom, CB Cameron Brown, S Ronnie Hickman, RB Miyan Williams, C Luke Wypler, OG Harry Miller, TE Gee Scott Jr., OG Matthew Jones, WR Julian Fleming, LB Cody Simon, K Noah Ruggles, DT Taron Vincent, LB Palaie Gaoteote IV, S Josh Procton, LB Teradja Mitchell, S Tanner McCallister, S Marcus Hooker
The Steelers scouted Pitt and West Virginia last week in the Backyard Brawl, but went back for another look at both this week, as the Panthers hosted Tennessee and West Virginia stared Big 12 play against Kansas.
Pitt: QB Kedon Slovis, DE Habakkuk Baldonado, DT Calijah Kancey, OT Carter Warren, DE Deslin Alexandre, MLB SirVocea Dennis, WR Jared Wayne, DE John Morgan
Tennessee: QB Hendon Hooker, OT Darnell Wright, WR Cedric Tillman, LB Jeremy Banks, DL Elijah Simmons, WR Bru McCoy, DL Aubrey Solomon
West Virginia: QB JT Daniels, DT Dante Stills, C Zach Frazier, WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton, G Doug Nester, DT Jordan Jefferson
Kansas: CB Karon Prunty, S Kenny Logan Jr.