Though it should come as little surprise, Mike Tomlin wined and dined with some Clemson Tigers Monday night ahead of the school’s Tuesday Pro Day in which the Pittsburgh Steelers were well represented.
Speaking to reporters after his workout, Clemson LB Trenton Simpson confirmed a Pro Day dinner with the Steelers last night. He also said he talked with Pittsburgh extensively throughout his Tuesday morning workout. That’s according to Johnny Falduto, who attended the post-workout presser.
Though we have no other official confirmation, it’s doubtful Simpson was the only one who met with the Steelers. Typically, Tomlin takes a big group of guys to dinner, especially for a school like Clemson that has several top prospects. It’s more likely than not names like DL Bryan Bresee and EDGE Myles Murphy were also in attendance. Tomlin has the sway and reputation that players will choose breaking bread with him over anyone else.
Update 1:28 PM: EDGE Myles Murphy also said the Steelers were one of the teams he met last night. A hamstring injury has prevented him from working out at the Combine and Pro Day but he said he’ll hold a private workout for teams next month.
Simpson reportedly had a good workout and impressed in his testing. According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, Simpson jumped 40.5 inches in the vert, though his broad was a bit underwhelming at 9’10”.
Simpson looked smooth and fluid through drills and told reporters after practice he’s a hybrid-type player who can play safety, the overhang, or work at linebacker. At this year’s NFL Combine held earlier this month, Simpson ran a 4.43 40 at 6023, 235 pounds.
For his college career, Simpson recorded 162 total tackles (23 for a loss) with 13 sacks and three forced fumbles, though he never intercepted a pass. Given his athleticism, pedigree, the Steelers’ Pro Day dinner/visit, and the team’s need at inside linebacker, he checks all the boxes as a possible candidate at #17 and certainly one at #32 if he’s there. According to NFL Mock Draft Database, he’s currently viewed as an early Day Two pick.
Check out our pre-draft scouting report on Simpson below along with a Combine interview where he reiterated his versatility.
