Is it too early to think about the 2025 NFL Draft?
The Steelers haven’t even played their first game yet but given the current state of the offense, it isn’t too early to start thinking about how they can upgrade multiple positions leading up to the 2025 season. There are a few fantastic college games on the slate this Saturday that will feature players who will become household names come next spring. Let’s take an early look at a few of those guys.
Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
I hate looking for the next face of the franchise before the season even starts but it’s inarguable that the Steelers’ current QB room is filled with cast-offs. Russell Wilson is already injured and is rapidly approaching Father Time, and while Justin Fields has potential, I’m not sure he’s ultimately viewed by the organization as the QB of the future.
Ewers was the number one recruit in the 2021 high school class and will likely be a top 15 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This is a really big test for him early on against the defending National Champions. A big performance in the big house could go a long way to cementing his status as a top signal-caller in this class.
Ewers has big-time arm talent but has been plagued by inconsistency. While he did improve from a 58% completion percentage in 2022 to 69% in 2023, there is still plenty of work to do with his downfield accuracy.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan & Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
Another fun element in this game; Michigan has a lockdown CB in Will Johnson who should also be on the Steelers’ big board as they look to improve opposite of Joey Porter Jr. He will be matched up against, Isiaah Bond, the Longhorns’ top receiver who will also be in consideration of a first-round pick. The Alabama transfer has a rare blend of size and speed and had five catches for 61 yards and a score in their season-opening win over Colorado State.
Isaiah Bond shakes the CB so hard that he’s able to fix his helmet before catching the touchdown pass pic.twitter.com/sODn7bjXLM
— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonNFL) August 31, 2024
The Bond/Johnson battle will be the most fascinating of the entire college football slate this weekend – and with Ewers right in the center of it, you need to move whatever plans you might have for Saturday at noon Eastern time.
Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
You’re going to see plenty of wideouts in these weekly write-ups. I still can’t believe the black and gold brass didn’t address the position in a more significant manner after the Diontae Johnson trade to the Carolina Panthers. The cupboard is bare outside of George Pickens, and they should be in the market for multiple pass-catchers this offseason.
I’m going to keep an eye on Oregon WR Evan Stewart in this marquee matchup against two blue-chip programs.
Stewart, a transfer from Texas A&M, is arguably the most explosive player in college football. There are rumors of him touching the 4.30 range in the forty-yard dash. He can also play both outside and inside, providing excellent position versatility. He’s also an advanced route runner for someone with his electric speed.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Evan Stewart was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect in the On3 Consensus and plays like this at the biggest stage is why pic.twitter.com/VKW0xia8jj
— Tim Verghese (@TimVerghese) October 9, 2022
There’s another player to put a checkmark next to in this contest. It might come as a bit of a surprise, but keep an eye on Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty. After declining RB Najee Harris’ fifth-year option, the Steelers could be in the market for a running back relatively early in the draft.
Let’s just say Jeanty had a… decent Week 1.
The 5-foot-9, 215-pound bruiser ran for 267 yards and six touchdowns against a good Georgia Southern team. Yes, you read that correctly.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning had this to say when asked about Jeanty ahead of the matchup: “I think he’s the best running back I’ve seen since I’ve been here. He’s certainly an NFL guy.”
High praise, for sure. Make sure you stay up late to get a glimpse of these two weapons, who will most certainly be playing on Sundays instead of Saturdays, next year.