The NFL Draft is less than four months away, and we are down to only one more game in the 2023-2024 College Football season. This also means there is only one more chance for certain NFL Draft prospects to improve their stock. With this in mind, it is time to take a closer look at the top draft prospects playing in this year’s CFP National Championship Game.

Despite being the deeper of the two teams, Michigan only possesses one true first round prospect, while Washington has four different players who could hear their name called on the opening night of the draft. Today, we are going to break down the top prospects specifically for the Steelers, in efforts to give you

1. Junior Colson | ILB | Michigan | 6’3″, 247 lbs

Of the many things the Steelers need to fix this offseason, none may be more important on the defensive side of the ball than off-ball linebacker. Junior Colson may not run a 4.3 in the 40, but he is a complete linebacker who quietly does his job at a high level. If he can run in the low 4.5s, I will likely have a second-round grade on him, as his tackling skills and ability to process information are unquestioned. He has the smarts to lead a defense, and he will easily grade out as one of the stoutest run-defending linebackers in the class. He’s the first-one-in, last-one-out, shut-your-mouth-and-do-your-job type linebacker, and for the current Steelers defense, that may be exactly what is needed. His ability in coverage will be tested Monday night.

2. Troy Fautanu | OT/G | Washington | 6’4″, 317 lbs

Fautanu is a physically imposing lineman who has proven to be above average as both a run blocker and as a pass blocker. In his two seasons as the full-time starter at left tackle, he allowed only 4 QB hits and 2 sacks in over 1,700 snaps. However, the 27 hurries he allowed in that time span is not quite as impressive. Usually, when Fautanu loses a rep, it comes against a speed rusher who has a quick first step and good bend. This is one reason why many draft analysts, including myself, may decide to label him as a guard when the pre-draft process picks up steam. This will lessen his exposure to speed coming off the edge and put him in better position to get upfield and utilize his physicality in the run game. A team may also consider moving him to right tackle at the next level.

3. J.J. McCarthy | QB | Michigan | 6’3″ | 205 lbs

McCarthy is far from a polished product, but his leap from year 1 to year 2 as a starter has been nothing short of impressive. His gunslinger mentality paired with excellent mobility is a combination easy to fall in love with, but he is still rough around the edges. McCarthy has a strong arm and puts great zip on his passes, but he needs to learn to take a bit off his underneath throws. He seriously lacks touch, and his footwork inside the pocket still looks unnatural. Overall, I still expect McCarthy to be a top 15 pick, simply due to the dire need for quarterbacks around the league.

4. Blake Corum | RB | Michigan | 5’8″, 213 lbs

Corum is a more athletic version of Steelers running back Jaylen Warren. His effort and will as a runner is evident every time he touches the football, and he never gets worn down as the game goes on. Similar to Warren, Corum is a complete back in that he can run it in between the tackles, take it to the outside, catch passes out of the backfield, and pass block all at high levels. However, Corum possesses more play strength and straight line speed than Warren, making Corum a potential three-down back at the next level. The left knee injury he suffered at the end of 2022 has not seemed to phase him, and he heads into the draft process with a ton of momentum. I expect him to be a Day 2 selection.

5. Michael Penix, Jr. | QB | Washington | 6’3″, 213 lbs

Penix has enjoyed two fantastic seasons at Washington, and a win against a stout Michigan defense would go a long way toward boosting his stock into first-round territory. Overall, there is a lot to like about Penix. He has good, but not elite, speed as a runner, and his accuracy inside the pocket has improved greatly during his time at Washington. The big concerns that will likely determine how high he goes are all medically related. Penix suffered four consecutive season-ending injuries, and while he has remained primarily healthy at Washington, his injury history alone will be enough for some NFL teams to cross him off their board. Amongst other minor mechanical issues, one problem that could be a bigger issue in the NFL than in college is his slower delivery. Speeding up his throwing motion will be a must as he heads to the pros.

Which NFL Draft prospects do you have your eye on this Monday? Be sure to light up the comment section below with your thoughts on this and all things NFL Draft!