The Pittsburgh Steelers hired defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander to replace Grady Brown earlier this offseason, and Alexander is already on the Pro Day circuit. He’s at South Carolina’s Pro Day today, and there he was talking to Nick Emmanwori, who could be the first safety off the board in the NFL Draft. Jack Veltri of Gamecock Central posted a video of the two talking.
Nick Emmanwori is here at Pro Day talking with Pittsburgh Steelers DB coach Gerald Alexander.
The Steelers have the 21st pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/YN6WhDfgDL
— Jack Veltri (@Jacktveltri) March 18, 2025
Emmanwori is the top prospect coming out of South Carolina, but the team also has CB O’Donnell Fortune in the secondary. Fortune won Shrine Bowl Defensive MVP with a 66-yard pick six in the game, and he could be a potential Day 3 target for the Steelers. Outside of the secondary, the Gamecocks also feature DT T.J. Sanders, EDGE Kyle Kennard, LB Demetrius Knight and RB Rocket Sanders as draftable prospects.
Alexander’s presence there is noteworthy, and with him on the field talking to Emmanwori, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he ends up putting the South Carolina defensive backs in attendance through drills.
While safety isn’t an immediate need for the Steelers and taking Emmanwori in the first-round would be a surprise, DeShon Elliott does only have one year left on his contract and Minkah Fitzpatrick, while unlikely, could be a cut candidate if he doesn’t have a good 2025 season. But for this year, the Steelers did sign S Juan Thornhill as their third safety, and addressing the position in the first round definitely would be a shock.
Gerald Alexander has experience working in college, as he was the defensive backs coach at Cal before entering the NFL ranks, so it’s not a surprise to see him involved at a Pro Day. It’ll be interesting to see if he winds up at any other Pro Days remaining on the cycle.
Recommended for you