Steelers Host Visit With Superb Cornerback Prospect Nate Wiggins And Two Others

The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted a trio of prospects for a visit in Pittsburgh on Thursday as preparations for the 2024 NFL Draft at the end of April continue. The group is headlined by Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins. Pittsburgh found a potential cornerstone at cornerback in Joey Porter Jr. with the 32nd overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, but still need a long-term option to man the other side of the field opposite him. Wide receiver Luke McCaffrey and offensive lineman Steve Jones are also visiting. 

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Steelers insider, Ray Fittipaldo confirmed the three visits in a story on the publication's website.

"The Steelers had Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins, Rice receiver Luke McCaffrey and Oregon offensive lineman Steve Jones in for pre-draft visits on Thursday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex," he wrote. "Wiggins is one of the top cornerback prospects in this draft."    

Wiggins had three interceptions in his last two seasons for the Tigers, returning two for touchdowns. In 2022, the Atlanta native had 13 passes defended and made two tackles for a loss. His passes defended dropped to six, but he added a tackle for a loss and a sack. He was awarded a First Team All-ACC selection for his efforts in 2023. 

Wiggins impressed many at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine with his athleticism. He posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.28, a 36-inch vertical jump and a 10'7" broad jump. He ranked seventh amongst defensive backs for his athletic testing. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in his breakdown that Wiggins' "combination of coverage talent and traits could make him a defensive coordinator’s dream." The one knock on Wiggins is a lack of toughness in the run game and on combat catches. 

Wiggins is likely to go in the back half of the first round or early in the second round. Pittsburgh certainly needs more cornerback depth behind Porter. Darius Rush and Cory Trice Jr. are young players with potential upside, but both have little to no playing experience in the regular season. Pittsburgh snagged Rush off the Kansas City Chiefs in October of 2023. The 2023 fifth round pick of the Indianapolis Colts played 59 total snaps in three games for Pittsburgh in 2023 with 39 coming on defense. He had a pass defended and three solo tackles. Trice missed his entire rookie season with an injury he suffered in training camp. 

Veterans Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace both played significant snaps for the team in 2023. They remain on the free agent market. Peterson has expressed a desire to return, while Wallace seems to be content moving on. 

Steelers Exploring Offensive Line And Wide Receiver Possibilities

Pittsburgh has needs at tackle and at center on the offensive line and for another wide receiver to pair with George Pickens. McCaffrey started his collegiate career as a quarterback at Nebraska, playing in 11 games over two seasons before transferring to Rice. He spent the 2021 season as a quarterback before splitting the 2022 season between quarterbacking and receiving. In 2023, he moved to wideout full time and made 71 receptions for 992 yards and 13 touchdowns. 

McCaffrey has some strong football bloodlines, which will be an attractive trait to Head Coach Mike Tomlin. McCaffrey's older brother Christian McCaffrey is a three-time Pro Bowl running back, now starring for the San Francisco 49ers, and his father Ed McCaffrey won three Super Bowls as a receiver (one for the 49ers in 1994, and then back-to-back wins with the Denver Broncos in 1997 and 1998). 

Jones played 14 games at right guard for the Oregon Ducks in 2023 beside presumed Steelers draft target Jackson Powers-Johnson. Fittipaldo notes that he is likely a late round pick or an undrafted free agent. 

What do you think of these players the Steelers brought in? Click to comment below!   

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