Today, I’m wrapping coverage of my visit to the NFL Scouting Combine by writing an article on four prospects I watched and interviewed who I believe would be great fits for the Steelers. This list does not include any defensive linemen, because I didn’t see them work out in Indy. Nor does it contain any quarterbacks, because Pittsburgh’s approach to that position in the draft will be significantly effected by what happens over the next few weeks in free agency. For my thoughts on their quarterback situation in general, check out the article below:

QB News/Rumors after the Combine

Emeka Egbuka — WR, Ohio State

Egbuka didn’t work out at the Combine, but his media session spoke volumes about the player he will likely become in the NFL.

In his twenty-or-so minutes at the podium, Egbuka was smart, introspective, and analytical. He talked in detail about football-nerd stuff, like how much the ability to read the leverage of Notre Dame’s defenders in the national championship game helped Ohio State’s offense recognize coverage and execute their passing game. He talked about his study habits, and his dedication to the film room. He talked about the impact his position coach, Brian Hartline, had on helping him develop his game. He talked about his faith in God, his bond with quarterback Will Howard, and how he came to Ohio State — whose receiver room when Egbuka arrived consisted of players like Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. — because he wanted to be pushed by the best players in college football.

Egbuka’s production on the field throughout his career was as impressive as his football IQ off of it. He leaves Ohio State as the program’s all-time leader in receptions. Considering the players named above, and other greats like Cris Carter, Joey Galloway and Terry McLaurin, that’s quite an accomplishment. Egbuka has good size (6’1-205), runs 4.4 in the 40, and is as accomplished a route-runner as any player in the draft. He can play both in the slot and at the Z position, which is the off-ball receiver who often lines up opposite the X (George Pickens). Egbuka would be a Swiss-Army knife in Arthur Smith’s motion-heavy offense. Smith would be able to move him around and create the matchups he wants with him.

Egbuka is also a willing and capable blocker. Watch him in the clips below and ask yourself this: after the drama with Pickens and Diontae Johnson the past few seasons, wouldn’t it be nice to have a high-character receiver who is an elite pass catcher and does this stuff as well?

No block, no rock.

Emeka Egbuka’s blocking was all over the MSU tape. That won’t go unnoticed by NFL scouts. pic.twitter.com/3lE2Yfmb7g

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 1, 2024

Pittsburgh would probably have to spend their top pick at #21 overall to land Egbuka. Doing so would be a worthy investment.

Other WRs to consider: Matthew Golden, Texas; Jayden Higgins, Iowa State; Xavier Restrepo, Miami

Kaleb Johnson — RB, Iowa

With Najee Harris almost certain to leave in free agency, the Steelers need a compliment to Jaylen Warren. Arthur Smith likes big backs in his offense, but Harris was never a great fit for his zone-heavy scheme. Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, who is powerfully-built (6’1-225) and has plenty of experience running the zone scheme from his time with Kirk Ferentz at Iowa, would be an ideal replacement.

Johnson ran 4.57 at the Combine, which wasn’t among the fastest times of the running backs. Remember, however, that Johnson is a big back. More importantly, he is a decisive runner, which allows him to play fast. By comparison, Harris ran 4.41 at the Combine while weighing 230 pounds. That’s remarkable, and likely helped land him in the 1st Round. But Harris never seemed to play as fast as he was. Johnson is the opposite. His 40 time, while not slow, doesn’t wow you. But when you put on the film, his ability to recognize cuts, then burst through them with his shoulders square, makes him quicker than Harris.

It also makes him tough to tackle. Johnson’s 4.42 yards-after-contact last season was second-best in the country behind Ashton Jeanty. Johnson is NFL-ready and would be able to step into Pittsburgh’s lineup right away. From the perspective of scheme fit, how he would compliment Warren, and what Smith wants in a running back, Johnson would be an excellent choice in Round 2.

Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson is a blue-chip RB known for his play speed and strength. He creates space, outruns LBs, and breaks tackles. He also identifies cutback lanes & has great vision to find openings.

Player Comp: Matt Forte @ChiefsFocus | #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/45Yew12VDb

— P-Mac McGruder (@ChiefsFan4Lyfe) February 22, 2025

Other RBs to consider: Omarion Hampton, UNC; TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State; LeQuint Allen, Syracuse

Caleb Ransaw — CB, Tulane

Ransaw is not a guy you’d select if looking for a starting corner to play opposite of Joey Porter Jr. I think the Steelers will address that need either through free agency or a trade, targeting an established veteran who can slide into the lineup immediately versus a rookie who could take time to develop.

Ransaw is better suited as a slot or big nickel, which the Steelers need desperately. Beanie Bishop played that role for much of last season, and while the undersized, undrafted rookie out of West Virginia was a good story, he was increasingly picked upon by opposing offenses. The Steelers need an upgrade from Bishop, or at least someone to challenge him for the nickel spot.

Ransaw was impressive in on-field drills in Indy. He ran a blazing 4.33/40, which was third-best among corners. His RAS score, which gauges overall athleticism, was remarkable, as you can see from the tweet below:

Caleb Ransaw is a CB prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.96 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 10 out of 2480 CB from 1987 to 2025.

Splits projected, times unofficial.https://t.co/5h7OmkOUky pic.twitter.com/40jTtPx5Nk

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) February 28, 2025

Ransaw’s biggest strength is his physicality. He’s an excellent tackler and run supporter, whose size (5’11-200) allows him to hold up in the box. Last season, offenses recognized that Bishop was not as good in this area, and often used 11-personnel groupings, knowing Bishop would be on the field, to run the football at him. That will not be an issue with Ransaw.

Despite his athleticism, quicker slot receivers could give Ransaw trouble. His man-coverage skills may take some time to develop. That, and the fact he’s best suited as a slot corner, devalue his draft stock. Still, Ransaw should be available in the fourth or fifth round, and if the Steelers want a tough player who will support the run, blitz off the edge, and be good in underneath coverage, he’d be a nice addition.

Other CBs to consider: Nohl Williams, Cal; Trey Amos, Ole Miss

Tate Ratledge — OG, Georgia

The Steelers need a player to challenge Mason McCormick for the starting right guard position. McCormick was thrust into action early last season as a rookie after James Daniels was injured, and he struggled. McCormick is a high-effort player but was not a great fit for Smith’s zone-heavy run scheme. A player with higher athleticism and better aptitude as a zone blocker would be a good investment.

Tate Ratledge checks those boxes. His athleticism score of 98 was the highest of any player — adjusted for position — who tested at the Combine. He’s an experienced guard who was a three-year starter at Georgia against the nation’s best competition. He plays with a nasty disposition, and called himself a “dirt-dog” in his media session at the Combine. When asked what off-field activity has helped him most with the game of football, Ratledge answered, “Turkey hunting, because it makes you patient.” That was an unexpected answer, but also a great one. Line play, for as physical as it must be, is also a patient endeavor, especially in zone schemes as blockers must wait for defenders to commit while executing combo blocks. McCormick was overly-aggressive and often out of position on these schemes. Ratledge has the right blend of aggression and patience.

Ratledge also has the best mullet of all available players in the draft, which has to count for something:

Pittsburgh would have to use their Round 2 pick to acquire Ratledge, and even then he may be gone. If he’s on the board at #52, he’d be tough to pass up.

Other OGs to consider: Joshua Gray, Oregon State; Joe Huber, Wisconsin