First Call: Mike Tomlin praises specific Steelers draft prospect; advice for JuJu; Jaromir Jagr's video for Alex Ovechkin

In Thursday’s “First Call,” it’s clear that Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has eyes for at least one Georgia Bulldog in the draft. Josh Allen is giving an emphatic thumbs up to Mitch Trubisky. JuJu Smith-Schuster is getting some advice about how to angle his free agency. Jaromir Jagr congratulates Alex Ovechkin, and a locally produced college basketball coach may have found a new gig.

Don’t count on it

Given the need the Steelers have for a talented interior defensive lineman, Jordan Davis of Georgia would certainly fill the void.

Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert were at Georgia’s Pro Day. During a short interview on the SEC Network, Tomlin said he’s “in the Jordan Davis camp.” But he added that he expects that Davis “would’ve hugged (commissioner) Roger Goodell” by the time the Steelers select at No. 20 in the first round of the NFL Draft.

“I’m in the Jordan Davis camp regardless.”@CoachTomlin’s impressed with the Georgia defensive tackle

(via @SECNetwork)pic.twitter.com/4XfS7ikMtd

— The MMQB (@theMMQB) March 16, 2022

If not Davis, fellow Bulldogs defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt might be a worthy choice as well. But he could be gone by then, too.

Allen endorsement

New Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky drew high praise for the way he handled himself as Josh Allen’s backup last year. In terms of his preparation, attitude, readiness and team mentality.

Via ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Allen praised Trubisky’s abilities and potential if he gets a second chance as a starter.

Josh Allen on Mitchell Trubisky! #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/VWMPe31LUm

— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) March 16, 2022

Trubisky should get that opportunity in Pittsburgh. It’s hard to imagine that he would’ve been signed for at least $14 million just to potentially back up Mason Rudolph.

He’ll have a chance to answer what kind of promises the Steelers made to him Thursday when he meets with the local media for the first time over Zoom.

Second time around

JuJu Smith-Schuster insisted that the Kansas City Chiefs tried to woo him to their team last year in free agency. But he decided to stay with the Steelers.

The assumed thinking was that Smith-Schuster would get more targets in Pittsburgh on what amounted to a one-year deal so he could quickly re-enter free agency after a depressed market for wide receivers a year ago.

Meanwhile, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill would soak up most of the chances in K.C.

But the NFL Network’s James Jones has a different perspective on how that dynamic could work out well for Smith-Schuster. He “loves” the idea of Smith-Schuster joining the Chiefs if they are still willing to bring him on in 2022.

“I think the best fit for him is the Kansas City Chiefs. He turned down Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes last year to go back to Pittsburgh,” Jones said. “Listen, go back to Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. Get on the other side of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. All the attention is on them. You would be the No. 2 wide receiver. You would be paired up against No.2 and No.3 cornerbacks. And you have a special quarterback throwing you the ball. You are never covered when you have Patrick Mahomes throwing you the ball.”

After Hill and Kelce, Mecole Hardman caught 59 passes for 693 yards and two touchdowns to become the third most productive pass catcher on the team.

He’s kidding. Right?

On Tuesday night, Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin scored career goal No. 767 as part of a 4-3 Capitals victory against the New York Islanders.

Wayne Gretzky (894), Gordie Howe (801) and now Alex Ovechkin (767). pic.twitter.com/lSXPSxw8AW

— NHL (@NHL) March 16, 2022

That leaves Ovechkin third all-time behind only Wayne Gretzky (894) and Gordie Howe (801). The former Russian Olympian passed Jaromir Jagr for third place overall and first among European born players.

To acknowledge the accomplishment, Jagr filmed a short congratulatory video that also included a threat of a return to the NHL so he could pass Ovechkin and reclaim his throne.

A very special congratulations from Jaromir Jagr to Alex Ovechkin (plus a little surprise at the end). pic.twitter.com/HGgSlqRTaQ

— NHL (@NHL) March 16, 2022

Of course, that was tongue in cheek. Jagr just turned 50 last month.

Then again, he is still playing for Kladno in the Czech Republic. He was in the NHL until age 47. So maybe a little truth in the joke?

No. He’s just kidding. Just goofin’ around. I’m totally, totally sure of it. Definitely.

Um, check back with me next week just to be sure.

Road to Rhode Island?

Blackhawk’s Archie Miller may be getting back into the NCAA coaching game.

The former head coach at Indiana and Dayton is a favorite to snag the University of Rhode Island coaching job. The Rams fired David Cox after four seasons.

According to Pete Thamel of ESPN.com, “There’s mutual interest, and the sides are working toward finalizing a deal in the upcoming days.”

This would mean a return to the Atlantic 10 for Miller. From 2011 to 2017, Miller led Dayton to four consecutive NCAA tournaments, an Elite Eight and two regular-season conference championships.