Most of the “experts” believe the Steelers will use their first-round pick (No. 20) in the 2024 NFL Draft on an offensive lineman with needs at offensive tackle and center.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo is among them, saying he is “99 percent sure the Steelers will take an offensive lineman with their first-round pick,” on 93.7 The Fan.
However, Pittsburgh’s actions could speak louder, as one of the draft’s top defensive prospects has officially checked all the boxes that hint the team could draft him come April 25.
The Steelers hosted Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins on a pre-draft visit Thursday, per Pittsburgh Sports Now’s Alan Saunders.
Earlier in the draft process, Pittsburgh met with him formally at the NFL Scouting Combine. General manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin also attended his pro day after taking him out to dinner the previous night.
Before Thursday, Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims was the only prospect to check all those boxes. However, that is no longer the case, meaning Wiggins could be a viable option at pick No. 20 as well.
Wiggins is an intriguing prospect after posting 58 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, three interceptions and 17 passes defensed the past two years at Clemson.
He ranks as the fourth-best cornerback and No. 20 overall prospect on Pro Football Focus’ big boardwhich puts him right in the range of the Steelers’ first selection.
It can be argued, however, that Pittsburgh has more pressing needs after trading for Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson earlier this offseason.
The Steelers are still thin at the position, though, and Jackson only has one year left on his contract, but not addressing the offensive line until Day 2 could be a big mistake depending on how the board falls.
Still, Khan has proven to be one of the more aggressive general managers in the NFL. So, don’t be surprised if Pittsburgh makes at least a trade or two in the draft to acquire several positions of need.
Wiggins could certainly turn out to be the first of several impactful players the Steelers land later this month.
2024-04-05 15:30:45
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