The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves still in the hunt and remain a relevant conversation to the 2022 NFL Playoffs. It sounds weird and is incredibly hard to believe, considering the ebbs and flows, the ups and (massive) downs that this team has endured this season. After a Week 16 Christmas miracle was delivered to us by Kenny Pickett and while the late, great Franco Harris watched down, the Steelers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 13-10 to get to 7-8 on the year.
Steelers QB Kenny Pickett throws a pass vs Las Vegas Raiders / Photo Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
I have tended to write these articles after a Steelers loss, in which a look-ahead to the future seems appropriate. But this week is the pinnacle of college football. A week that includes the first two games of the college football playoffs, the New Year's Six Bowls, and a bunch of incredibly good college football games in which the NCAA's best athletes will be competing. Unfortunately for us, a lot of top prospects will decide to opt-out of the bowl game in preparation for the upcoming draft to preserve health and a future in the league.
Use this article and the past three I have done (listed at the end of this article) as a source for players that the team could take while watching college football this week.
Steelers Fans Should Want These 2 College Prospects In The 2023 NFL Draft
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, Redshirt Sophomore, Oregon: Gonzalez is one of the top corners in the class, and is an experienced three-year starter in which he played his first two at the University of Colorado. He is arguably the most complete corner available, as all he lacks is play strength which is something that can easily be added on at the next level. Being long and lanky, he has a knack for the ball (four interceptions in 2022) and brings on physicality with his superior athleticism and incredible size (6'4", 215 lbs).
"Gonzalez is a cover corner who flashes the ability to lock down his side of the field. Gonzalez is an outstanding man defender who shows the foot quickness, change of direction and flexibility to match route combinations and stay connected at the top of the routes. He has the ability to flip his hips and carry vertically with excellent long speed. He is excellent in press coverage utilizing a well-timed punch at the line to disrupt the receiver and shows patient feet to consistently stay in front and in phase throughout the stem."
"Gonzalez flashes outstanding instincts and awareness in zone coverage and is able to read the quarterback’s eyes while keying in on moving targets in his zone. He is an easy mover dropping in coverage and flashes excellent short-area quickness to close on anything thrown in front of him. With his long arms, Gonzalez is able to win most 50/50 situations and is able to knock the ball down at the catch point."
Although I worry about the Steelers' development of corners, Gonzalez would be someone I would take a flyer on with the Steelers' current situation in the draft (currently 16th overall).
EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 12: Defensive back Christian Gonzalez #0 of the Oregon Ducks stands on the field against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium on November 12, 2022, in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
Offensive Lineman Paris Johnson Jr., Junior, Ohio State: Johnson Jr. is not only an elite athlete but also the cream of the crop in terms of offensive tackle talent in the upcoming draft. Johnson Jr. is a distinguished man and respected leader and has a passion for helping veterans and disadvantaged children (he has already established a foundation). An academic standout majoring in Journalism, Johnson Jr. is a former five-star athlete out of Cincinnati that has excelled in his time at Ohio State.
As for his on-the-field play, Johnson Jr. is an explosive athlete with long limbs that moves well. He can run block incredibly well and his skill sets favor his style of play at tackle compared to any interior positioning on the offensive line. Johnson struggles with reacting to pass rush moves on time and could use some work when reaching into the second level to seal off linebackers. For someone as big and as athletic as he is, he finds himself on the defensive too much on pass blocks and instead should be the aggressor.
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 19: Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson, Jr. (77) blocks during the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Maryland Terrapins game on November 19, 2022, at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, MD. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Would you want either of these two guys on the Steelers' roster next season? Do you think they could help the team going forward? Who are some other prospects that you want to see in the black and gold next season? Let me know in the comments below or @anthonyravasio on Twitter.
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