Steelers Head to Clemson to Scout Nate Wiggins, Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are out in full force again on Thursday as they head to Clemson to watch first-round cornerback Nate Wiggins and other prospects. Head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan are in attendance a day after attending Georgia pro day.

Dabo Swinney (purple) hanging out with Steelers coach Mike Tomlin (left) pic.twitter.com/N6CNWQDjS1

— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) March 14, 2024

As mentioned above, the headliner is Wiggins, who ran a 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Wiggins suffered a hip flexor injury on his second 40-yard dash attempt, so it is unclear if he will participate in drills on Thursday. He said at the time of the injury, he should be okay to go during his pro day at Clemson.

Wiggins had to run well after measuring in just north of 170 pounds. He is the lightest cornerback in the NFL Draft invited to Indianapolis. So, the time will help his stock even with the questions about his demeanor in the run game and propensity to play with physicality.

Wiggins is a fluid, ball-hawking cornerback that fits well in most defenses. On Clemson’s tape, they often played him toward the boundary, and he rose to challenges throughout their games. It sticks out just how smart Wiggins is on tape, too, as he can drop back in zone coverage and make impressive plays through his route recognition. At 6-foot-2, Wiggins has both good size, though he does not have good length.

His frame is a bit light, and while it’s not as bad as someone like Emmanuel Forbes from last year, he can still have some reps where he gets bullied in the screen game or against the run. Still, he shows an appetite to compete on the field, and has noticeably put effort into improving his tackling, especially on plays in space. He is a worthy pick at 20th overall and would fit well across from Joey Porter Jr.

But the Steelers have others to watch in Clemson, too. Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. fits their NFL bloodlines love, and even after signing Patrick Queen, he must be considered a target if he falls far enough. But the defensive line is where the team might find some value. Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro are athletic players with different strengths, but it’s a need for the Steelers to look at in the future. On top of it, running back Will Shipley will be working out. So, there are lots of names for the team to circle and watch, though Wiggins is the top prospect.