While NFL players are going viral on tik tok and racing Lamborghinis through the streets, coaching staffs and personnel departments are deeply entrenched on the scouting trail attending pro days.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have traditionally been very active on the pro day tour, often with Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan both attending. Although not confirmed, I would expect them to be present during a particular pro day that garnishes a lot of interest, Ohio State.
The pro day of the often talent-riddled National Champions is highly attended each year, but this year, the Steelers should have an extra vested interest. Many of the top players working out fit the team’s specific needs. Let’s take a look at five Ohio State draft prospects who could become Pittsburgh Steelers during this year’s NFL draft.
For all things Pittsburgh Steelers, make sure to give us a follow on X @Steelers_Blitz
Emeka Egbuka WR (#30 JLSports Top 50)
The Steelers added D.K. Metcalf earlier this month, which helped the glaring need for a WR, but didn’t eliminate it. Although Omar Khan stated that their plan is to extend George Pickens long-term, many have their doubts. Whether Pickens is part of the plan going forward or not, Egbuka is an outstanding receiver who works the middle of the field and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty.
His pro day will get a lot of attention since he chose not to work out at the combine, but many are familiar with his game already due to his incredible tape. He’s a natural, smooth route runner who has a great feel for leverage and makes himself an easy target for the QB. Egbuka would also bring toughness to the position for the Steelers as a willing and capable blocker.
Picking Egbuka at #21 would be rich for a team with greater needs, but obtaining him by moving around in the draft could be possible. He would be an immediate contributor and make the ticking-time bomb George Pickens expendable.
TreVeyon Henderson RB (#32 JLSports Top 50)
After letting Najee Harris walk in free agency, Jaylen Warren becomes the default RB1. Kenneth Gainwell was added and Cordarrelle Patterson is still on the roster (somehow), but RB is a major need heading into the 2025 draft.
Henderson is an elusive, blazingly fast, home run hitter who is a plus pass protector, which is a must for Mike Tomlin. Henderson’s 4.43 speed would bring plenty of juice to the Steelers’ backfield which is in desperate need of it. Former RB1 Najee Harris’ longest rush was just 37 yards in 4 years with the Steelers.
Henderson may not be a bell-cow back, having averaged just 147 carries per season at Ohio State, but he would offer the perfect complement to Jaylen Warren in the Steelers backfield.
Often being mocked to get drafted in the late first or early second round, like Egbuka, it would take some finesse for the Steelers to land Henderson, but the immediate impact may be worth the effort.
Tyleik Williams DL (#43 JLSports Top 50)
That dreaded number 299 is still haunting Steelers nation over two months after it became relevant. In case you blocked it from your mind, that’s how many rushing yards the Steelers allowed in the playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The rule of thumb for many playoff teams is to address the issue that eliminated you from contention. For the Steelers, that would be the run defense.
The Steelers actually finished 6th best in run defense in 2024, but with Cam Heyward turning 36 years old this off-season, a replacement needs to be groomed. Keanu Benton is a pretty good player but struggled against the run, earning a disappointing 45.3 run defense grade per PFF.
Tyleik Williams is a good interior defensive lineman who could land in Pittsburgh with fellow Buckeye Cam Heyward. He has a great blend of quickness and power and takes on double teams like a champion..
Williams would be a good fit for the Steelers and could be a contributor immediately which would take some of the pressure off of Cam Heyward.
Quinshon Judkins RB (#53 PFF Big Board)
With the departure of Najee Harris, the Steelers lack the bruiser they have become known for. Quinshon Judkins is a north and south runner with a 6’1″, 219-pound frame built for work between the tackles. He can break through arm tackles but lacks the ability to make people miss in space. Although he leaves much to be desired as a receiver, like his Ohio State running-mate, he stands up well in pass protection.
Judkins would fill the need for the Steelers at running back. He may not have the high ceiling that Henderson does, but he’s more than capable of being a difference-maker in the NFL. The team met with Judkins at the scouting combine, showing that there is at least some interest in bringing him on board.
Will Howard QB (#112 PFF Big Board)
The quarterback has been an ongoing saga for the Steelers this offseason, dating back to the end of the playoffs or even as far back as the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. I wrote in February about possible candidates, and although one in particular feels likely at this point, I touched on some developmental QBs as well, including Ohio State’s Will Howard.
Howard is a very experienced player who has taken part in some of college football’s biggest games, including leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to a National Championship in 2024. His experience in a pro-style offense helps him immensely, but his ability is that of an average NFL QB.
He has mastered the intangibles of the position at a college level. He has good NFL size, runs his offense well, is effective on the move, and has an above-average arm. Howard lacks a “super power”, meaning there’s no clear strength in his game, but he also carries no glaring weakness.
Howard could be a good day-three pick for the Steelers. He’ll need time to develop, but could turn out to be a valuable backup or low-end spot starter. The Steelers will come out of this draft with a quarterback, and a developmental quarterback is most likely. I would not be surprised to see Will Howard as a Steeler when it’s said and done.
Ole Miss Pro Day
Friday, March 28th, is another big-time pro day I expect the Steelers to attend. Ole Miss has a number of prospects that fit the Steelers’ needs. Quarterback Jaxson Dart headlines a talented group, including DL Walter Nolen, WR Tre Harris, CB Trey Amos, and DT J.J. Pegues.
Another article will be coming with a deeper look at those players who could have their name called on draft day as Rebels turned Steelers.