Devy Diamonds: Eli Holstein, Quarterback, Pittsburgh
Welcome to Devy Diamonds: Holstein was a four-star prospect out of Zachary High School in Zachary, Louisiana. He had 19 collegiate offers before committing to Texas A&M in June of 2021. After his commitment, he would receive another three offers before decommitting from Texas A&M. Shortly after stepping away from Texas A&M he had an unofficial visit to Alabama. Holstein would receive two more offers from SEC schools and have unofficial visits to Florida and LSU. However, in May of 2022 he would commit to Alabama. His first year at Alabama would be a redshirt year, but before the next season began a coaching staff change would be taking place at Alabama. This could have played part into Holstein entering the transfer portal. Four days after entering the portal, Holstein would commit to Pittsburgh in January of 2024.
Transferring universities would end being a smart move for Holstein. Currently, he has led the Pittsburgh Panthers to an undefeated season and ranked within the AP Top 25 (18th overall). Holstein has been efficient with his passes completing 64.2% with just over 1,800 passing yards. In fact, he is on pace to throw for just under 3,100 yards. This is with the assumption that he continues to throw for 258 yards per game. Plus, he has displayed smart decision making while having only five interceptions to his 17 passing touchdowns. Additionally, Holstein has shown his mobility this season by averaging 4.6 yards per carry and adding three rushing touchdowns. The final five games of the season will be a test for Holstein. Currently, every upcoming opponent is .500 or better. Plus, two of the next five opponents are ranked within the AP Top 25. This season, Holstein has shown confidence in the pocket, as well as, his arm strength delivering to all areas of the field. He needs to get better with his deep ball accuracy, but he has shown he can get it down the field in multiple ways. His growth will be something to watch. He has the potential to be a first-round prospect with proper development.
Strengths:
- Arm Strength. Holstein possesses a powerful arm that allows him to push the ball down the field effectively. His arm strength keeps defenses on their heels, as it allows him to create big play opportunities.
- Pocket Presence. He shows strong awareness in the pocket, demonstrating the ability to navigate pressure while keeping his eyes downfield. This allows him to avoid sacks and find open receivers creating more effectiveness as a passer.
- Mobility. Holstein is not known as a dual-threat quarterback, however he has good enough mobility to evade defenders and extend plays. He will not rush for 100 yard (maybe here and there), but this ability to scramble does add another layer to his game.
- High Football IQ. Holstein understands defensive schemes and reads which allows him to make quick decisions, recognize blitzes, and adjust plays at the line of scrimmage effectively.
- Field Vision. He shows great field vision, allowing him to survey the entire field and identify open receivers. This allows him to throw with precision, even when under pressure.
- Consistency. Through his career, Holstein has shown the ability to produce solid performances week in and week out. He is a stable option for his team and preferred choice in game time moments.
Areas of Improvement
- Experience Against Top Defenses. Yes, Holstein is in a Power 4 Conference (ACC), but the competition is considered slightly lower than those playing within the SEC, BIG12, or BIG10. This indicates that Holstein may lack preparedness for high-caliber opponents at the next level.
- Decision-Making Under Pressure. While he can navigate the pocket, Holstein sometimes makes questionable decisions when facing high pressure. This is seen in younger quarterbacks often, but improving this aspect of his game will be critical in his development.
- Deep Ball Accuracy. Holstein has a cannon for an arm, but his accuracy when pushing the ball down the field could use some work. Inconsistent ball placement can lead to missed opportunities and frustrate receivers.
- Quick Decision-Making. Holstein can occasionally take too long to make quick reads on shorter routes. It is great that he scans the field, but at times he scans too long rather than hitting his receivers right away.
Draft Stock: Eligible 2027
Consensus Projected Draft Capital: First Round Prospect
Personal Projected Draft Capital: First Round Prospect
Ideal Landing Spot: Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have done this before, in 2017 they drafted Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett. In my opinion, this move makes sense with the uncertainty of the Steelers quarterback room. Right now Russell Wilson leads the offense, he took over for Justin Fields once he came back from injury. Wilson is still an older quarterback, and depending on his level of play he may not even be with the team when Holstein is eligible to be drafted. Despite his athletic upside, Fields’ difficulties with reading defenses and adjusting to fast-paced NFL offenses have led to him being benched in favor of Wilson. If Fields’ performance does not improve, it may signal to the Steelers that they need a different option to secure their franchise quarterback. In such scenario, Holstein could be a viable candidate, offering a local connection and a fresh approach to building a winning team.
Holstein’s physical attributes and skill set could provide the Steelers with a quarterback who is both durable and versatile. Standing tall in the pocket with a strong arm, Holstein has already shown flashes of making accurate throws while under pressure. Moreover, Holstein’s slight mobility allows him to extend plays and evade oncoming defenders. Although he is not yet a finished product, Holstein’s development with the Panthers is on a positive trajectory. Historically, Pittsburgh fans rally around players who embody a hard-nosed, blue-collar mentality. These are qualities that Holstein demonstrates as he continues to grow in his role with the Panthers. If he maintains his progress and becomes a first-round draft prospect, Holstein’s familiarity with Pittsburgh’s sports culture could make him an appealing choice for the Steelers organization. Should the Steelers draft him, he has the potential to bring stability and championship-caliber leadership to the quarterback position.
Fantasy Impact
By averaging 258 passing yards per game, Holstein is quickly establishing himself as a reliable quarterback option for college fantasy football. His consistency paired with his ability to throw multiple touchdowns a game almost guarantee him 20 or more fantasy points per game. He is disciplined in making smart decisions and effectively moving the ball downfield. As a college quarterback, Holstein’s production makes him a steady option with the potential for explosive games.
Looking ahead to his NFL potential, Holstein could be an appealing fantasy option if he maintains this trajectory. Though he is at least two years from entering the NFL, his skill in controlling an offense and producing on the field shows potential to translate to the next level. His composure in high-pressure situations and the ability to lead efficient drives are qualities that NFL teams value. If Holstein enters the league with a strong supporting cast, his fantasy upside could increase, making him a valuable pick for fantasy teams looking for a steady quarterback option with breakout potential.
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