Highly touted CB Nate Wiggins, Christian McCaffrey’s brother among Steelers draft visits

One of the top cornerbacks available plus the brother of one of the NFL’s most recognizable players were among those hosted by the Pittsburgh Steelers for official pre-draft visits Thursday.

Clemson’s Nate Wiggins is the type of rangy (6-foot-1, 173 pounds) cornerback the Steelers have traditionally coveted, and he’s projected to be drafted in the second half of the first round. The Steelers have the No. 20 pick, are known to be in need of a cornerback and likely will take one among the top half of the draft later this month as they seek a complement to last year’s rookie standout, Joey Porter Jr.

Wiggins was first-team All-ACC last season when he had nine pass breakups and two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) in 10 games.

Nate Wiggins going super saiyan for the chase down & strip

pic.twitter.com/iC4DOWEtSU

— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) March 30, 2024

Unlike his All-Pro brother, Christian, Luke McCaffrey is not a running back but a slot receiver projected as a third-day pick in the draft. The 6-2, 198-pound McCaffrey began his college career as a quarterback at Nebraska. He played at Rice the past three seasons, switching to receiver in 2022. McCaffrey was former West Virginia quarterback JT Daniels’ top target last season, catching 71 passes for 992 yards and 13 touchdowns.

According to Pro Football Focus, McCaffrey ranked eighth in the country in yards per reception out of the slot (14.6). The Steelers last month released their 2023 slot receiver, veteran Allen Robinson.

McCaffrey’s father, Ed, played 13 seasons as a wide receiver in the NFL.

Can you guess which former #Vikings WR Luke McCaffrey emulates?

*6'2", 200 lb.
*Fearless
*Tape is full of highlight grabs
*Some of the best natural hands in the 2024 class
*Plus route-runner pic.twitter.com/RVRdP5eqtk

— Tanner Weber - Purple Post (@Purple_Post) March 31, 2024

Also visiting the Steelers on Thursday was 6-5, 340-pound Oregon guard Steven Jones. Jones was named AP and PFF first-team All-Pac 12 guard, and PFF graded him as the second-best pass-blocking guard in the country.

Jones was a three-year starter for the Ducks who earlier in this career was a tackle. The Steelers value versatility in their offensive linemen, especially ones they target late in the draft or as an undrafted free agent — the range where most expect Jones to be acquired.

NFL teams are allotted 30 official visits by draft prospects, not counting “local” players.

Note: The Steelers waived running back Alfonzo Graham. Graham was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Morgan State last year, but he suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder during a training-camp practice and was out for the season.