Steelers 2023 NFL Draft Stock Report: Michigan prospects on rise after beating OSU

The 2023 NFL Draft is still months in the distance, but with college football having arrived, the beginning stages of the 2023 draft process has begun. With that in mind, it is time to dive into this past week’s biggest games in the college football world, taking a look at draft prospects who improved their stock based on their performance.

Offensive line is definitely an area the Steelers need to address, and the most likely resource for the solution is indeed the draft. Concerns at cornerback and linebacker also loom large over the Pittsburgh’s head. Although we will certainly break down prospects at other positions this season as well, these will be the primary positions of emphasis, especially early in the season.

Nearly every week during the season, there are several highlight games that steal the headlines, but even when these games overshadow the rest of the college football landscape, we will not be negligent of the other games and prospects in action. Every week during the season, we will recap the previous week’s action and determine whose stock rose the most as it pertains to the NFL Draft.

As always, be sure to share your thoughts on this topic in the comment section below, but without further adieu, here are the highest of highs from Week 13 of college football!

Olusegun Oluwatimi | C | Michigan | 6’3”, 307 lbs

I try to not be a homer with these articles, but nobody can watch the Michigan win on Saturday and say Olusegun Oluwatimi did not have a major impact on Michigan’s second-half success. Michigan’s backfield was incredibly banged up, with Blake Corum limited with a knee injury and Donovan Edwards playing with a cast on his hand. Michigan struggled to go anywhere running the ball in the first half, but Donovan Edwards had two huge runs in the second half to extend Michigan’s lead. Oluwatimi had a part in everything Michigan did well on offense, springing runs with impressive blocks and holding his own as a pass protector. Oluwatimi is definitely in the first-round conversation, and he will likely be the top center in the class if Sedrick Van Pran returns to school.

Tavius Robinson | EDGE | Ole Miss | 6’6”, 265 lbs

Ole Miss had a rough go of it against rival Mississippi State, but their defense kept them in the game. One standout from the game was pass rusher Tavius Robinson, who recorded 5 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries. Robinson had been relatively silent for the majority of the year, but a game like this could push him from undrafted status to the Day 3 range. His combination of length, size, and strength give him three-down potential, but he will most likely be a rotational piece best suited for a 4-3 scheme.

Spencer Rattler | QB | South Carolina | 6’0”, 215 lbs

How the mighty have had fallen! Spencer Rattler had fallen off a cliff as it pertains to NFL Draft hype, and rightfully so. Up until two weeks ago, he had just 8 touchdown passes compared to 9 interceptions. However, he has been phenomenal the last two weeks, recording 6 touchdown passes in their upset win over Tennessee and 2 touchdown passes in their upset win over Clemson. Rattler did have 2 interceptions this week, but he did complete 25 of 39 passes for 360 yards. Rattler seems to be playing more freely and confidently than earlier in the season, and it has translated to strong production. His draft status is still a big question mark, but he is making a late push to regain draft relevancy ahead of April.

Others Who Improved Their Stock

Drake Thomas | ILB | NC State (10 TCKL, 7 SOLO, 2 TFL, 3 QB HUR, 1 SCK)
Dorian Williams | ILB | Tulane (12 TCKL, 1 INT)
Cornelius Johnson | WR | Michigan (4 REC, 160 YDS, 2 TD)
Demani Richardson | S | Texas A&M (10 TCKL, 7 SOLO TCKL, 2 FUM REC)
Isaiah Foskey | EDGE | Notre Dame (5 TCKL, 2.5 TFL, 1.5 SCK)
Otis Reese | S | Ole Miss (11 TCKL, 1 INT)
Tariq Drake | S | Ohio (3 TCKL, 0.5 TFL, 2 INT)
KJ Henry | EDGE | Clemson (11 TCKL, 1 TFL, 0.5 SCK, 2 QB HUR)
Marcellas Dial | CB | South Carolina (2 TCKL, 3 PD, 1 INT)

Which NFL Draft prospects caught your eye this weekend? Let us know in the comment section below, and stay tuned to BTSC for everything you need to know as we get closer to the 2023 NFL Draft!