As the college football playoffs heat up, so does the scouting season for NFL teams - and few franchises will be watching more closely than the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the 2026 NFL Draft just a few months away, these playoff matchups aren’t just about chasing a national title - they’re auditions under the brightest lights. And for the Steelers, who have multiple roster needs to address, the first round of the College Football Playoff offers a front-row seat to evaluate some of the draft's most intriguing talents.
Pittsburgh’s Draft Radar Is Bigger Than Just Quarterback
Yes, quarterback is the headline. It always is.
But don’t get tunnel vision - Pittsburgh’s front office is doing its homework across the board. Offensive firepower, playmaking ability, and long-term potential are all on the table.
And with several key prospects taking the field in the opening round of the CFP, Steelers scouts will be watching every snap with purpose.
Let’s break down the players who could shape not only their own futures this week - but potentially Pittsburgh’s as well.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama - It’s Go Time
No quarterback in this playoff has more at stake than Alabama’s Ty Simpson. The tools are there - arm strength, athleticism, flashes of big-play capability - but consistency has been the question. After a tough outing in the SEC Championship, Simpson enters the playoff needing a bounce-back in the worst way.
This is where the stakes get real. NFL evaluators want to see how a quarterback responds to adversity, and Simpson’s performance in the CFP opener could swing his draft stock significantly. If he delivers under pressure, don’t be surprised if he starts climbing into the first-round conversation - and onto Pittsburgh’s radar in a big way.
Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma - A Sleeper to Watch
Every draft has its Day 2 gems, and Deion Burks might just be one of them - if he can seize the moment.
Burks came into the year with high expectations but didn’t quite hit his stride at Oklahoma in 2025. Still, the talent is there: he’s got burst, separation ability, and the kind of speed that makes defensive backs nervous. A strong showing in the playoffs could remind scouts why he was so highly regarded to begin with.
For a Steelers offense looking to add explosiveness, Burks is the kind of under-the-radar prospect who could rise quickly with the right performance on the national stage.
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon - Flash Meets the Furnace
Dante Moore has been impressive in his first year as Oregon’s starter, showing poise and production in a high-tempo offense. But the playoff stage is a different beast - and now, Moore has a chance to prove he can thrive against elite competition.
He’s already been mocked to the Steelers in several early projections, and it’s easy to see why. Moore brings a blend of arm talent and mobility that fits today’s NFL.
What scouts want to see now is how he handles the speed and complexity of a playoff-caliber defense. If he can keep delivering under pressure, his name will keep popping up in Pittsburgh’s draft discussions.
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M - Ready to Explode
KC Concepcion is one of those players who just jumps off the screen. Whether he’s stretching the field as a receiver or flipping the field as a punt returner, the Texas A&M standout brings electricity every time he touches the ball.
He’s been flirting with first-round status, and this week could be the tipping point. A big-time playoff performance - especially in a tight, high-leverage game - could solidify him as one of the top receivers in this class.
For the Steelers, who are always looking to add dynamic weapons to their offense, Concepcion is a name that could gain serious traction as the draft process unfolds.
What It All Means for the Steelers
This playoff round isn’t just about who wins and who advances - it’s a proving ground for NFL futures. And for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s a golden opportunity to evaluate how potential draft targets handle the biggest moments.
Whether it’s quarterbacks like Simpson and Moore trying to prove they can lead at the next level, or playmakers like Burks and Concepcion looking to boost their stock, these games matter. The tape from this weekend will be studied, dissected, and revisited all the way through April.
So while fans tune in for the drama of the College Football Playoff, the Steelers will be watching with a different lens - one focused on building the future of their franchise.