Plethora Of Steelers Draft Prospects Will Be Present In Exciting Big 12 Championship Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the most important stretch of the 2024 season. At 9-3, the team and fan base alike have eyes on a Super Bowl run due to an exceptional 12-game start to the year. The franchise wasn't expected to be a game and a half up on the Baltimore Ravens entering Week 14, but the AFC North crown is fully in its sights. While many will focus on the December and January slate, behind-the-scenes work is being done to keep an eye on some of the best collegiate players in the nation with the draft not too far away in April.

The Big 12 Championship Game won't feature an intriguing roster like the one that the Colorado Buffaloes have, but both Iowa State and Arizona State have some prospects that should garner some attention. Fans in the Steel City will hear a lot about wide receivers, defensive backs, defensive linemen, and running backs throughout the draft season. The Steelers should be watching on Saturday to see which players might fit in the locker room in Pittsburgh.

1.) Jayden Higgins - Wide Receiver - Iowa State

Pittsburgh took a gamble in the 2024 offseason when it came to the wide receiver position, and it didn't necessarily pay off. A big-name pass-catcher like Brandon Aiyuk was never acquired, and Roman Wilson's rookie season went nowhere near as planned with him landing on Injured Reserve. The draft should be a place that the team uses to invest, and Jayden Higgins is a fun prospect to pay attention to.

The Iowa State Cyclone could be a late-first round option, but is certainly expected to be in play when it comes to the Top 100 selections. He has 80 catches for 1,068 yards on the season to go along with eight touchdowns. At 6'4", Higgins presents ideal size with freak athleticism. His skills allow him to leap over defenders and act as a perfect red zone threat.

2.) Jaylin Noel - Wide Receiver - Iowa State

Higgins' teammate, Jaylin Noel, could be another pass-catcher targeted in the 2025 NFL Draft. Several wideouts will be mocked to Pittsburgh for several months an Noel could be someone to keep an eye on. He is a complement to Higgins, as the two have different styles of play. Noel is only 5'10", but uses speed and shiftiness to get open.

Noel has a quick-twitch that helps him create separation off the line of scrimmage. He is averaging over 15 yards per receptions in 2024, and that goes along with 67 catches for 1,013 yards. Both receivers give Iowa State options in the passing game, and the duo could both hear their names called within the Top 100 come late April.

3.) Domonique Orange - Defensive Line - Iowa State

Cameron Heyward is, unfortunately, not getting any younger. The stout defensive lineman is having one of his best seasons in 2024, but it's expected that he signed his final contract extension in the 2024 offseason. Pittsburgh still needs to get younger on the line and Domonique Orange is a player to watch when Iowa State takes on Arizona State.

Orange probably won't be selected until later on in the draft, but the Steelers are pretty good at finding diamonds in the rough. The massive defender stands at 6'4" and adds 325 pounds to any team that takes a chance on him. He is an extremely athletic interior defender that could find success by bullying opposing offensive linemen at the next level.

4.) Cameron Skattebo - Running Back - Arizona State

Najee Harris could very well be on his way out of the Steel City in 2025, as the running back is expected to test free agency for the first time in his career. Jaylen Warren should be returning as a restricted free agent, but the Steelers will be mocked to ball-carriers by a variety of different outlets. Cameron Skattebo could be one of those.

The Sun Devils' running back has a bully-like mentality when carrying the football and isn't going to wow anyone with his speed. However, he hits the hole hard and is a prototypical Steeler. Add some of his talents to a 247-carry, 1,398-yard, 17-touchdown season in 2024, and he becomes very interesting. He's no Ashton Jeanty, but could fall into Pittsburgh's lap late on day two or early on day four.

5.) Darien Porter - Cornerback - Iowa State

Joey Porter Jr. has cemented himself as the Steelers' top cornerback, but the Donte Jackson will be a 2025 free agent and Cory Trice Jr. has had some trouble staying healthy. Pair that with Cameron Sutton's impending free agency and the team is left very thin. Darien Porter is a big-bodied defensive back listed over 6'2" and could be an ideal target for Pittsburgh.

Porter will likely go in the top two rounds in April and a strong combine could even see him slip into the Top 32. He has 62 games of experience under his belt and secured three interceptions to this point in 2024. He also projects to be a valuable special teams player early in his professional career, which is something the Steelers require for all rookies.

Steelers Could Target Player Not Playing In Big 12 Title Game

Jordyn Tyson, an electrifying wideout from Arizona State, could be out several months after suffering a unspecified injury recently. In 12 games in 2024, he caught 75 passes for 1,101 yards and added 10 touchdowns. It's possible that the ailment hurts his pre-draft process, but the wideout is still expected to be taken rather early and could be in Pittsburgh's range.

Which players are you looking forward to watching during the Big 12 Championship Game? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation