The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a crossroads. With Mike Tomlin stepping down after a storied run as head coach, the franchise faces a pivotal offseason-one that will shape the next chapter of Steelers football.
While the search for Tomlin’s successor will dominate headlines, the front office is already deep into the evaluation process for the 2026 NFL Draft. And with the College Football Playoff Championship set to showcase some elite talent, Pittsburgh’s scouts will be watching closely.
Let’s break down four draft prospects playing in the title game who could be on the Steelers’ radar. From potential secondary reinforcements to a quarterback with a knack for winning, there’s no shortage of intriguing options.
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
If you’ve been tracking Indiana’s surprising playoff run, you’ve likely heard the name Fernando Mendoza. But don’t overlook what’s happening on the other side of the ball. Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds has been a key piece of the Hoosiers’ defensive surge, and he’s a name that should be circled on Pittsburgh’s draft board.
At 5-foot-9, Ponds doesn’t have prototypical size for an outside corner, but that hasn’t stopped him from making plays. He followed head coach Curt Cignetti from James Madison to Indiana, and the move has paid dividends. Ponds has been a turnover magnet all season, showing the kind of instincts and tenacity that translate well to the next level.
He’s projected as a Day 2 pick, and while his size may push him down some boards, his tape tells a different story. He’s physical, aggressive, and not afraid to stick his nose in the run game. If the Steelers are looking to inject some edge into their secondary, Ponds is a name to watch.
Carson Beck, QB, Miami
With Tomlin out and Aaron Rodgers reportedly not returning, the Steelers could be in the market for a quarterback-either to compete for the starting job or to develop behind a veteran. Enter Carson Beck.
Beck’s college career hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but he’s shown a knack for rising to the occasion. He’s led Miami through a tough playoff gauntlet and has notched wins over four top-ten teams this season. That’s not nothing.
He may not have the gaudy stats or top-tier draft buzz, but Beck brings poise, experience, and a winning pedigree. He’s the kind of mid-round pick who could provide valuable depth and competition in the quarterback room. For a team in transition, that’s a smart play.
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
The Steelers’ wide receiver room needs a boost-plain and simple. While Elijah Sarratt has drawn plenty of attention during Indiana’s playoff run, Omar Cooper Jr. is another name worth highlighting.
Cooper has emerged as a reliable target for the Hoosiers, particularly in the red zone. He’s shown strong hands, crisp route-running, and the ability to make plays in traffic. He might not have the same flash as some of the top receivers in this class, but his consistency and production speak volumes.
With Pittsburgh looking to retool its offense, Cooper could be a valuable addition as a mid-round receiver who contributes early and grows into a bigger role.
Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
If the Steelers are serious about overhauling their secondary, they’ll want to take a long look at Keionte Scott. The Miami cornerback opened the playoffs with a bang-returning a pick-six in the Hurricanes’ upset win over Ohio State-and that kind of playmaking ability is hard to ignore.
Scott is primarily a slot corner, which may limit his draft ceiling, but he’s shown excellent instincts and quickness in coverage. He’s got the twitch to stick with shifty receivers and the awareness to make timely plays on the ball.
He’s projected as a late Day 2 pick, and while teams are often hesitant to invest heavily in slot-only corners, Scott has the tools to be an impact player in the right scheme. For a Steelers defense that could use help inside, he’s a fit worth considering.
Final Thoughts
The Steelers are entering a new era, and how they handle this offseason-starting with the draft-will set the tone for years to come. The College Football Playoff Championship offers a prime opportunity to evaluate players who have thrived under pressure. Whether it’s a gritty corner like D’Angelo Ponds, a proven winner at quarterback in Carson Beck, or high-upside playmakers like Omar Cooper Jr. and Keionte Scott, Pittsburgh has plenty of talent to scout.
The Tomlin era may be over, but the foundation remains strong. Now it’s about finding the next pieces to build on it.