The weather is starting to cool down, pumpkin spice lattes are back, and the crock pot is fired up with chili. That can only mean one thing – college football is back!
It feels like every season we say this is the most intriguing and significant draft in Steelers history, but I think that statement holds weight this year for two reasons.
1. They will likely be in search of their next franchise QB
2. The draft is in Pittsburgh!
Steelers fans will be staying home on Saturdays more than ever before.
This
weekly series will profile some of the players you should watch while on your couch. Alas!
QB’s Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik
Starting this off with a two-for-one! These two Tigers will battle it out in prime-time Saturday night, looking to stake their claim as a future top ten pick.
As it currently stands, Pro Football Focus has Nussmeier as their fifth-ranked signal-caller in the class, while Klubnik checks in at 18.
The senior has one of the strongest arms in the class and provides enough mobility to make plays off script in a pass-rush dominated league.
Nussmeier is more of a classic throwback pocket passer, but his accuracy and timing are advanced.
If the NFL Draft were held today, I couldn’t imagine either would be available where I’m projecting the Steelers to pick, which is generally somewhere in the middle to the back half of round one. However, GM Omar Khan has accumulated enough ammunition to navigate his way into the top half of the draft.
Fernando Mendoza QB, Indiana
Mendoza’s Hoosiers will take on Old Dominion on FS1 at noon ET this Saturday as they look to build upon a playoff appearance in 2025 under Frank Cignetti.
If they make a return appearance, Mendoza will be the reason why.
The Cal transfer has prototypical NFL size, checking in at 6’5, 225 lbs. He has a combination of touch and raw arm talent that will have scouts salivating.
He played for an awful Cal team last season behind one of the worst offensive lines in the country, and still opened eyes.
He’ll now get a huge opportunity in Cignetti’s air raid offense to fling the rock around the field. I can’t wait to watch him this season.
Germie Bernard, WR Alabama
This piece will be quarterback heavy throughout the season, so I want to try and uncover some diamonds in the rough.
Arguably, the Steelers’ biggest position of weakness is at wideout. I can’t imagine they leave the draft next year without taking one.
While Ryan Williams will grab all of the headlines, Alabama wideout Germie Bernard is a strong candidate to ascend draft boards, the operative word being strong. He’s a demon in contested catch opportunities, and despite a relatively small frame (6’1, 205 lbs.), he’s not afraid to work in between the hash marks. He’s also not afraid to get his hands dirty as a blocker.
Last season, he hauled in 50 passes for 794 yards and 4 TDs.
Alabama will play Florida State in a marquee matchup on Saturday. I’m excited to watch him.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Probably a surprising choice here, but if Broderick Jones has an ugly season, the Steelers could be in the market to add more competition at tackle.
Mauigoa is an explosive athlete with a wide frame. It helps that he’s 6’6, 315 lbs., one of the largest tackles in the country.
He’ll be tasked with stopping a Notre Dame front that is expected to be one of the best in the country. The arrival of former Georgia QB Carson Beck has Hurricanes fans thinking playoffs, but Mauigoa is the straw that stirs the drink.
Who will you be keeping an eye on this weekend? Let us know in the comments section!
