Nate Wiggins didn’t start 2024 as a full-time cornerback, but he finished it looking like someone who might never come off the field again. By the time the playoffs rolled around, the former first-rounder out of Clemson had locked down a starting role, flashed star-level ability, and gave the Ravens every reason to believe they’d struck gold at No. 30.
It wasn’t a perfect season. Wiggins had some rookie hiccups—penalties, occasional lapses in coverage, and lack of forcing turnovers—but the tools were impossible to miss. His closing speed, ability to mirror receivers in man, and willingness to make plays on the ball stood out week after week. And once he got comfortable? He looked the part.
Just look at this rookie-on-rookie crime Wiggins commits on New York Giants' budding superstar, Malik Nabers. If you didn't look long enough you might mistaken him for a blanket.
He finished his rookie year with 33 tackles, 13 passes defensed, a forced fumble, and a pick-six against the Browns. That last one—an instinctive jump on an out route to ice the regular season finale—might’ve been his welcome-to-the-league moment.
Nate Wiggins is poised for a big Year 2
According to NFL.com’s Marc Ross, Wiggins is one of the league’s top breakout candidates for 2025. In a recent piece highlighting Year 2 players ready to take the leap, Ross wrote:
“Wiggins held his own on the island and made a ton of plays for arguably the NFL’s best defense down the stretch in 2024, posting 33 tackles, 13 passes defensed, one forced fumble and a pick-six (against the rival Browns in the regular-season finale). I don’t necessarily think the rookie got the credit he deserved last season, and it makes sense considering the players around him in Baltimore’s secondary, including perennial Pro Bowlers Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey. It won’t be long until Wiggins stands alongside them thanks to his immense talent.”
That’s the expectation now—Wiggins isn’t just fighting for playing time anymore. He’s expected to be a featured piece of a Ravens defense that already boasts some of the league’s most dynamic talent, including rookie safety Malaki Starks, who’s expected to make an immediate impact in the secondary alongside Kyle Hamilton.
Defensive coordinator Zach Orr said this offseason he believes Wiggins can be “one of the best corners in the National Football League,” and frankly, that feels realistic.
The Ravens are counting on it. With Brandon Stephens now gone and Marlon Humphrey dominating from the slot, Wiggins is the guy on the outside. And if his leap is coming? It might be time to start talking about Baltimore having one of the most dangerous secondaries in football.
Year 2 can be where good corners become great. Look no further than New England Patriots corner, Christian Gonzalez. Wiggins has the ability, the drive, and now the trust. If he puts it all together, Baltimore just added another All-Pro to the back end.