Steelers Should Have Their Eye On Some Elite Performers From The Senior Bowl

The Pittsburgh Steelers have more attention on them than most NFL teams do at all times. They've been especially getting a lot of attention as this offseason began for them due to their offensive coordinator search and hiring of Arthur Smith. There are definitely varying opinions on the Smith hiring, but chances are, Head Coach Mike Tomlin doesn't really care, as he chose the guy he wants. With that major decision out of the way, the primary focus moves to the 2024 NFL Draft.

The first stop for coaches like Tomlin is almost always the Resse's Senior Bowl. This year was no different, as he was present early on in the week attending practice and chatting up some players like he normally does on an annual basis. Tomlin enjoys being heavily involved in the Senior Bowl practices, as he is frequently the closest coach to the drills taking place, making sure he can see every detail. 

With that being said, there are multiple players that helped, and in some cases hurt, their stock during the week of practice at the Senior Bowl. Below are the guys that most improved their stock and are guys that Steeler Nation should be hoping the Steelers' coaching staff and scouting department are taking long looks at. 

Steelers' Top Rising Candidates

Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

Powers-Johnson was set up for success just by being available for the Senior Bowl. Some of the other top players at the position were either not present, or not able to go through all the activities. On top of that however, Powers-Johnson put on a show throughout the week as he was one of the best performers in one-on-one drills, as well as performing well during team sessions. 

Centers don't often climb up draft boards to high, as they often get pushed into the Day 2 conversations. However, Powers-Johnson separated himself from the pack and now definitely has a chance to hear his name called on Day 1. 

Michael Hall, DT, OSU and Gabe Hall, DT, Baylor

I am lumping the Halls together here as they both performed well during the week and have likely moved up some people's draft boards. M. Hall is one of the few members of Ohio State's defense that didn't return to school, and after his performance this week, it will likely end up being a smart decision. He has very good quickness for a man his size and that plays directly into his ability to rush the passer. Interior pass rushers are being more heavily valued in recent seasons, which works in his favor. 

G. Hall performed very similarly by showing off some pass rush moves and getting quick pressures early in the week. He has a very good build with his length and weight, which makes him a very intriguing prospect for any defensive front. 

Both of the Halls came into the week as early day three picks that are hoping to work their way up to day two. 

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Mitchell was the best defensive back at the Senior Bowl and that definitely helps his stock as he is coming from a smaller school that didn't see elite competition week in and week out. Regardless of the drill, Mitchell performed rather well and was able to stay on the wide receiver's hip down the field, rarely losing a step. He isn't going to be a team's number one cover guy out of the gate, as more experienced players with good route running awareness give him some trouble, but there is very little on a field that he can't do from a coverage perspective. Mitchell likely played his way into hearing his name on day one of the draft. 

The Steelers would be very smart to target some of the names above, and potentially will with Tomlin seeing them in person. However, there are some people who definitely didn't help themselves. Those names are below. 

Falling Prospects

The Quarterbacks

It might be somewhat unfair to lump them all together, especially since quarterbacks typically struggle at the Senior Bowl due to it being a position that heavily relies upon timing and chemistry for success. However, no quarterback really stood out and several hurt their stock. 

Bo Nix struggled all week with passes down the field and did not look like a quarterback who should be taken on day one like some thought he might be. Joe Milton has all the physical tools, but continued to show poor accuracy throughout the week, like he did during his time at Tennessee. Sam Hartman just doesn't have the arm strength you want to see when compared to any of the other quarterbacks you saw next to him. Just a bad week from the group. 

Devontez Walker, WR, UNC

Walker definitely had hype around him heading into the Senior Bowl, as he is a very good athlete that can threaten defenses down the field. Unfortunately, Walker dropped passes consistently throughout the week and struggled to get open when asked to run routes that he couldn't rely on his athleticism to out run guys. 

Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

A lot of guys who receive praise based on their athletic ability and size alone tend to disappoint, which isn't always their fault, but instead the media's for hyping a guy up too much. That is likely the case with Guyton, as he is definitely one of the highest upside prospects due to his great length and exceptional athletic ability for someone around 330lbs. Guyton definitely can still be a good pro, but likely shouldn't be a first round pick like some thought he'd become, as his technique and balance need to improve significantly heading into the NFL. 

It is definitely still very early in the draft process, but the Senior Bowl is always a good spot for players to show their abilities on tape before the shorts and t-shirt workouts begin. 

Who do you think the Steelers should target this draft season? Let us know in the comments below!

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