Three Ohio State Players Meet with Steelers Prior to Pro Day

As the NFL Draft approaches, college players across the country prepare for one of the most important days of their careers—Pro Day. This is the time when scouts and coaches from professional teams flock to campuses, eager to evaluate the prospects that could help their teams in the coming seasons. For Ohio State, one of college football’s most successful programs, Pro Day is a pivotal event, not only for the Buckeyes’ draft hopefuls but also for NFL teams looking to find the next big star. Among the teams with significant interest in Ohio State’s Pro Day activities is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have been spotted meeting with a handful of Buckeyes before the event. With a rich history of scouting and developing talent, the Steelers have set their sights on three specific Ohio State players—each with the potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level.

This article delves into the three Ohio State players that have met with the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to Pro Day, analyzing their backgrounds, skills, and what makes them so appealing to the Steelers. Additionally, we will take a look at how these players could fit into the Steelers’ system and their potential roles on the team. The Steelers have had success drafting Buckeyes in the past, and their continued interest in Ohio State talent suggests that they believe these players can help the team continue its pursuit of playoff contention. So, let’s break down the three Ohio State players making waves in Pittsburgh as they prepare for their Pro Day showcase.

1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Wide Receiver

One of the most highly anticipated prospects in this year’s draft is wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has captured the attention of scouts across the NFL with his stellar performances at Ohio State. The Steelers’ interest in Smith-Njigba comes as no surprise, as the team has long been searching for a reliable, dynamic playmaker at wide receiver to pair alongside star wideout Diontae Johnson. With his unique blend of skill, agility, and football IQ, Smith-Njigba has the potential to immediately contribute to the Steelers’ offense and complement their existing receiving corps.

Background and Skill Set:

Smith-Njigba played an integral role in Ohio State’s explosive offense, which boasted one of the most potent passing attacks in the country. In 2021, he had a breakout season with 1,606 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to create separation, run precise routes, and make critical catches in clutch situations. Although his 2022 season was hampered by injury, Smith-Njigba’s talent was undeniable, and he is expected to return to full health for Pro Day, where he’ll likely perform at a high level.

What makes Smith-Njigba particularly intriguing is his versatility. He can excel in both the slot and outside receiver positions, offering flexibility in an NFL offense. His ability to get open quickly, coupled with his strong hands and solid route-running, make him an ideal fit for a Pittsburgh offense that needs someone who can be a reliable target for quarterback Kenny Pickett. Whether it’s running quick slants or deep posts, Smith-Njigba has the skills to stretch the field and create mismatches against opposing defenders.

Fit with the Steelers:

The Steelers’ offense, led by offensive coordinator Matt Canada, has taken steps forward in recent seasons, and adding a player like Smith-Njigba could help accelerate that growth. Pittsburgh’s need for a dependable receiver who can make plays after the catch is evident, and Smith-Njigba’s ability to do just that could make him a key contributor early on in his NFL career. With his precise route-running, quickness, and ability to make contested catches, Smith-Njigba would fit well alongside Johnson, providing a formidable one-two punch at wide receiver.

Smith-Njigba’s potential to be a high-volume target also complements the Steelers’ growing emphasis on short-to-intermediate passing concepts. If Pittsburgh selects Smith-Njigba, he could make an immediate impact in the slot position, where his quickness and agility would allow him to win matchups against linebackers and safeties. His addition could also open up the deep game for Johnson, freeing him up for bigger plays down the field.

2. C.J. Stroud – Quarterback

Another Ohio State player who has piqued the Steelers’ interest is quarterback C.J. Stroud, one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Stroud has had a decorated career at Ohio State, leading the Buckeyes to multiple College Football Playoff appearances and putting up some of the best statistics in the history of the program. For the Steelers, Stroud represents a potential future option at quarterback—someone who could develop behind the incumbent starter, Kenny Pickett, and eventually take the reins as a franchise quarterback if needed.

Background and Skill Set:

Stroud’s journey at Ohio State has been one of remarkable growth, culminating in a dominant 2022 season that saw him throw for over 4,400 yards and 44 touchdowns. His ability to make all the necessary throws, whether in the pocket or on the move, has drawn comparisons to some of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. Stroud is known for his accuracy, poise, and decision-making ability—traits that are essential for success at the next level.

One of Stroud’s biggest strengths is his deep ball accuracy, which was on full display in his time at Ohio State. He has a strong arm and is capable of making all the throws required in today’s NFL offense. Furthermore, Stroud’s ability to read defenses and go through his progressions quickly is another area where he excels. He doesn’t lock onto receivers, and he consistently shows excellent touch and placement on passes, especially in tight windows.

While Stroud’s mobility is not his defining trait, he has shown the ability to escape pressure when necessary and extend plays outside the pocket. His calm demeanor and ability to make plays under duress have made him a highly coveted prospect in this year’s draft class.

Fit with the Steelers:

The Steelers have had a consistent need for quarterback depth over the past few years, and Stroud would be an intriguing long-term investment. With Pickett currently entrenched as the starter, Stroud could benefit from spending time learning behind an experienced quarterback, and he would have the opportunity to develop in the Steelers’ offensive system. If Pickett continues to grow and flourish, Stroud could become a high-quality backup, or perhaps eventually be used as trade bait should the Steelers continue to improve and strengthen other areas of their team.

Stroud’s ability to run a pro-style offense and execute a balanced passing game would complement Pittsburgh’s offensive philosophy. While it’s unlikely he would start immediately, having Stroud in the fold could provide the Steelers with valuable security at the most important position on the field.

3. Zach Harrison – Defensive End

The third Ohio State player that the Steelers have been keeping a close eye on is defensive end Zach Harrison, a physically imposing edge rusher with a skill set that is well-suited to the NFL. Pittsburgh has always prided itself on its defensive prowess, and Harrison’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and stop the run could make him an ideal fit for their defense. The Steelers are in need of a player who can add depth to their pass rush and complement their strong front-seven, and Harrison’s size and athleticism make him a natural candidate for that role.

Background and Skill Set:

Harrison, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing around 270 pounds, is a physical specimen with the athleticism of a much smaller player. He has long arms, great quickness, and an impressive burst off the line of scrimmage that allows him to get after the quarterback. Throughout his career at Ohio State, Harrison showed flashes of brilliance, particularly when he was able to win one-on-one matchups and apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While his sack numbers might not be as high as some other top edge prospects, Harrison’s ability to disrupt plays, close gaps, and force quarterbacks to throw under pressure makes him a valuable asset to any NFL defense.

One of the key areas of Harrison’s game that has drawn praise is his ability to play the run. He’s stout at the point of attack and has developed solid technique against offensive linemen. This ability to contribute in both the pass rush and run defense makes him a well-rounded defensive player capable of contributing on all three downs. His versatility is a strong selling point for the Steelers, who love defensive players that can be moved around and used in various situations.

Fit with the Steelers:

The Steelers’ defense is known for its physicality and ability to get after the quarterback, and Harrison would fit perfectly into their defensive line rotation. Pittsburgh’s defense has been anchored by players like T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward, but adding a player like Harrison could give them another disruptive force to complement their existing stars. With Harrison’s ability to set the edge, pressure the passer, and contribute in multiple facets of the game, he would immediately provide depth and potential starter-level talent along Pittsburgh’s defensive front.

In a division that features strong offenses like the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens, strengthening the pass rush is crucial for the Steelers. Harrison’s development into a pass-rushing force would give Pittsburgh the ability to put constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks, something they’ve been striving for in recent years.

The Steelers’ Recruitment of Ohio State Talent

As the NFL Draft draws near, the Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to make their selections, and the three Ohio State players—Jaxon Smith-Njigba, C.J. Stroud, and Zach Harrison—could all play pivotal roles in the team’s future. Whether it’s strengthening the receiving corps, adding depth at quarterback, or bolstering the pass rush, the Steelers have identified key areas where these Buckeyes can help them compete for championships. Their interest in these players demonstrates a strategic approach to improving the roster and making long-term investments in talent. For the players, Ohio State’s Pro Day represents one final opportunity to impress the Steelers and other NFL teams, but for now, their futures seem closely intertwined with the storied franchise’s pursuit of another Super Bowl title.