It’s always nice for someone, especially an expert on the topic, to validate your opinion. Perhaps no draft-day validation is more historically renowned than that from Mel Kiper Jr.
In a recent article for ESPN, Kiper broke down his favorite sleeper prospects by position. Within the list, you’ll notice several names the Steelers have also had their eyes on. Cole Payton, Zachariah Branch, and Kyle Louis, all players Pittsburgh has met with ahead of the draft, appear on the list.
Payton, the North Dakota State quarterback, had a pre-draft visit with the team. Kiper wrote that he admires Payton’s arm and accuracy despite his long delivery to throw. He pictures him as a developmental player in the NFL who can still have an offensive role while learning.
“I could see an NFL offensive coordinator putting his 4.56 speed and 6-foot-3, 232-pound frame to good use in a Taysom Hill-esque role,” wrote Kiper.
Payton’s rushing ability and athleticism are his calling cards. In 13 games, he racked up 777 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Slotting him into a Hill-type role could be the perfect fit for him. Kiper views him as a fourth-round pick.
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch didn’t get a pre-draft visit from the Steelers, but did attend a pro day dinner with the team. Kiper has been high on Branch since last summer, highlighting his ability with the ball in his hands. In 2025, 636 of Branch’s 811 yards came after the catch. For a team like the Steelers, which heavily relies on its receivers to produce YAC in a West Coast offense, Branch could fit like a glove.
Kiper acknowledged that his size could be an issue for teams, coming in at 5 ‘9, 177 pounds. However, he still believes in his potential and expects him to go in the second round.
The last player with Steelers ties on this list is Pitt linebacker Kyle Louis. Louis, like Payton, was also a pre-draft visitor. Interestingly, Kiper has Louis listed as a safety, something draft pundits have debated. In Kiper’s mind, position doesn’t matter for Louis.
“Louis will line up all over the place,” wrote Kiper. “It’s what he does. A savvy defensive coordinator will have him as a box safety, an off-ball linebacker, at outside linebacker, in the slot, and over the top. No matter where he aligns on any snap, Louis finds the football and gets himself into the middle of the action.”
Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham would certainly welcome a chess piece like that on his roster. Fast, productive, and versatile are things any coach would gravitate towards. If he’s able to overcome the “tweener” size issues, don’t be shocked if he outperforms his draft slot, which Kiper has as the second or third round.