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All eyes are on Austin for an SEC Showdown
The quarterback conundrum in the Steel City took a serious turn this week, as it appears veteran signal-caller Russell Wilson will be making his season debut against the New York Jets on Sunday Night, relegating QB Justin Fields to the bench. Ultimately, I don’t think we have a clear picture just yet of what the future of that position looks like for the Steelers.
Here are a few quarterbacks to watch this weekend that could be on their radar in the 2024 NFL Draft, along with some sleepers to keep an eye on.
Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
If you looked at a mock draft in August, you likely would have noticed Beck at the very top, often being mocked as the number one overall pick. That has now changed due to poor performances against both Kentucky and Alabama.
In Week 5, Beck finished 15/24 for 160 yards and zero TDs in a narrow home win against the heavy underdog Kentucky Wildcats. And then the following week, in the biggest game of his season thus far, Beck threw three interceptions against Alabama in a loss where his tape was as troublesome as I’ve seen from a highly touted quarterback.
Given that Beck isn’t the strongest or the fastest, he needs to consistently play with accuracy and timing. He hasn’t been on schedule this year.
He has a big chance to turn back the tides in a road game against the number one team in the nation, the Texas Longhorns.
Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana
The biggest surprise in college football so far is Rourke’s Indiana Hoosiers, who are ranked 16th in the nation with a 6-0 record. The Hoosiers were picked 17th in the Big Ten preseason media polls before the season… out of 18 teams.
The reason for their success? In large part, it’s Rourke’s play. He’s completing nearly 74 percent of his passes and has tossed fourteen TDs to just two INTs.
Regarding his NFL Draft tangible presence, he’s 6’5 and is built for AFC North football. He’s an above-average pocket maneuver and has great instincts. I could see him sliding into the back of the second round.
The Hoosiers face a tough challenge in Nebraska and soon have Michigan and Ohio State on the schedule, so we will find out more about him as the rubber meets the road.
Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
Sampson has burst onto the scene, rushing for 699 yards with fifteen TDs (!) through just six games.
He’s an explosive back, having been timed at a 4.35 forty-yard dash, and has reached 23 mph during games. He’s a “cut on a dime” type player who will be one of the most coveted backs in this year’s class.
With Najee Harris likely entering the free agent pool, and Arthur Smith’s obsession with pounding the rock, it’s inevitable the black and gold will add a running back at some point this offseason.
Dylan Sampson right in that Day-Two RB mix.#Vols | #RatedProspect
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) October 13, 2024
Tai Fenton, WR, Maryland
Fenton is one of the most fluid wideouts in the class, checking in at 6-foot-2, 188 pounds, he’s got some George Pickens to his game. He also has the versatility to line up all over the field, and as of last week, had the most targets without a drop for college receivers (59).
His productivity has led him to become the first player in Maryland’s program history to record four straight 100-yard receiving games to begin a season.
He will face a stiff test against some premiere athletes in the USC Trojans, but I’d expect the ascending receiver to continue to show out.
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
The game of the week will produce various matchups of dudes who will play on Sundays. Williams has battled injuries this season, but when healthy – not many have the talent he does. He’s consistently been ranked the best EDGE rusher in the draft class by people much smarter than me.
I understand your question. Why the heck would the Steelers need another EDGE rusher?
Fair enough. However, with injuries to Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig early in the season, there’s never a guarantee that all of these guys will consistently be on the field. And we know what happens to the black and gold whenever TJ Watt misses any time. It’s very much a reach, but there’s always an option to strengthen a strength.
This is a statement game for him, as the Bulldogs will face a top offensive line in the Volunteers, including a matchup against Kelvin Banks Jr. – one of the best tackles in the country.
Who will you be keeping an eye on this week? Let us know in the comments section!