When the Baltimore Ravens snagged Nate Wiggins with the 30th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the reaction was a mix of optimism and skepticism. Sure, Wiggins was one of the most athletic corners in the draft, but would he hold up against NFL-level competition?
Turns out, Baltimore got it right. One year later, Wiggins has proven himself as a critical piece of the Ravens’ defense, and even in a re-draft scenario, experts agree: Baltimore made the right call.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport ran a re-draft of the 2024 NFL Draft, and Wiggins once again landed with the Ravens at pick No. 30. Wiggins was a home run. He played in 15 games, started in the playoffs, and kept opposing quarterbacks honest with his sticky coverage. His passer rating against? A respectable 66.7. Not bad for a rookie corner being thrown into the fire.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has no regrets, either. After Wiggins' rookie season, DeCosta sang his praises, calling him a “great athlete” with a “very bright future.” For a team that might soon face big decisions about veterans in the secondary, Wiggins’ emergence couldn’t have come at a better time.
Ravens select Nate Wiggins again in 2024 NFL re-draft
Let’s face it: the Ravens’ secondary needed an injection of youth and athleticism. Marlon Humphrey remains a cornerstone, but his hefty cap hit and a non-guaranteed salary in 2025 make his future uncertain. Brandon Stephens is likely out the door in free agency, leaving the Ravens to lean on younger, cheaper talent. Enter Nate Wiggins.
As Davenport pointed out in his re-draft analysis, "Sometimes the wisest course of action is to just leave well enough alone—and that's the case here with cornerback Nate Wiggins.”
Nate Wiggins’ rookie campaign:
— CB1 (@1of1wiggs) January 5, 2025
- 497 coverage snaps
- 34 receptions allowed
- 0 TDs allowed ❌
- 13 passes defended (8 PBUs)
- 1 INT (26-yard pick 6)
- 1 forced fumble
- 32 combined tackles (8 stops)
- 65.5 passer rating allowed #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/PQUUhdEfnN
Wiggins may not have the splashy stats of other corners, but his coverage skills and potential for growth make him the perfect fit for Baltimore. DeCosta himself emphasized how a full NFL offseason could elevate Wiggins’ game to the next level, calling his potential “unlimited.”
Wiggins’ development also provides Baltimore with flexibility heading into 2025. The Ravens could choose to draft another corner or even test the free-agent market, but Wiggins gives them a reliable option no matter what. His athleticism and instincts are already NFL-ready, and his ability to shut down opposing receivers on the outside gives the Ravens a critical building block in their secondary.
In the end, the Ravens nailed their pick with Nate Wiggins. Even in hindsight, there’s no better choice at No. 30. Now, it’s all about taking that next step. If DeCosta’s confidence in Wiggins pans out, the Ravens may have found their next great cornerback.