Although it doesn’t require many drives, the Pittsburgh Steelers are well represented in tonight’s college game between the Pittsburgh Panthers and Syracuse Orange. According to Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler, the team had two staff members attending tonight’s game. And that’s a crowded press box around the NFL.
The No. 19 and undefeated Panthers appear to be lacking any high-end prospects in this year’s draft. TE Gavin Bartholomew is having a quieter season than expected despite Pitt’s improved quarterback play. On the season, he had just 17 receptions for 146 yards and no touchdowns, failing to go over 30 yards in any game this season. Last year, he averaged more than 18 yards per reception and found the end zone four times while leading QB Kenny Pickett as a freshman in 2021.
WR Konata Mumpfield is a big-play threat averaging over 17 yards per catch and has two 100-yard games this season. The Akron transfer is lanky at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, and how he runs could be key during the pre-draft process. Defensively, DB Donovan McMillon had over 100 tackles last year and has already paired a team-high 56 tackles with an interception and forced fumble this year.
The Orange are led by QB Kyle McCord. McCord, an Ohio State transfer, made the transfer after throwing for 24 touchdowns for the Buckeyes last season for what he referred to as a “business decision” without expanding on what that meant. He pushed back on reports that he left for more NIL money or because Ohio State couldn’t guarantee him a starting spot in 2024. He had a solid yet shaky season with the Orange, throwing 19 touchdowns and 6 interceptions to lead the Orange to first place. 5-1 record.
Elsewhere, WR Jackson Meeks and TE Oronde Gadsden II are intriguing prospects. Both are among the team leaders and bring good size to the position. Meeks is 6-foot-2 and over 200 pounds, while Gadsden is a hybrid type at 6-foot-5, 236 pounds. Defensively, Texas A&M transfer DL Fadil Diggs leads the way with eight TFLs and four sacks this season, the latter matching his career high. Safety Justin Barron could be a sleeper with versatility and special teams value.
I’ve been watching Justin Barron from Syracuse for years and last Saturday was his 𝐛्त्त्र्तTV.
Look for a combination of length, athleticism, and closing speed to close out late in the fourth quarter compared to NCST.
Barron is a handsome, long-framed (6036v, 230v) hybrid defender. https://t.co/DIKnk6rkiB pic.twitter.com/nHRgvn3Yie
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) October 16, 2024
Pitt and Syracuse kick off tonight at 7:30 EST.
