PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers welcomed in a receiver who is already familiar with free agency playing at three schools and a FCS tackle from North Dakota State on Firday.
Charlie Jones started his career on a redshirt season at the University of Buffalo back in 2017. He had limited action in his second season with the Bulls finishing with 18 receptions for 395 yards and also returned 15 kickoffs for a 19.3 average. The Illinois native would then transfer to Iowa sitting out the 2019 season.
The 6’, 188-pound receiver would play sparingly at Iowa in 2020 and then had 21 catches for 323 yards and three touchdowns in 2021. He would transfer to Purdue, immediately play and immediately have an impact with 110 catches for 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns.
In 2022, Jones caught 12 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown against Penn State. He caught three touchdowns against Indiana State and dinged Syracuse for 11 catches and 188 yards. His final game at the Big 10 Championship, Jones had a career-high 13 catches for 162 yards against Michigan.
He returned 77 punts in his career for 622 yards and a touchdown. Jones finished with a 1,002 kickoff return yards on 45 attempts and a score. He is most likely a third day draft pick.
Cody Mauch is a 6’5”, 302-pound tackle from North Dakota State who has shown off athleticism and a high motor in his preparation for the NFL Draft, most notably at the Senior Bowl. He was First-Team AP FCS All-American and Phil Steele’s FCU Offensive Lineman of the Year. He’s played left and right tackle (37 at left). The knock on him is the same as the Northwestern tackle Peter Skoronski, short arms.
Known for his long, red hair, Pro Football Network has him as the 49th best prospect in the Draft, seventh best tackle. Pro Football Focus has Mauch as the 88th best overall prospect, eighth best tackle.
Mauch was a quarterback in high school in North Dakota, was an all-conference basketball player, all-state in track and also played baseball.