Ravens' star defender bringing the fire that could spark midseason turnaround

With the Baltimore Ravens off to their worst start in franchise history since 2015 when they also began the year 1-5, they are desperately in need of a midseason spark. Various areas need to turn it around to get back on a competitive track, and one player is bringing the exact intensity necessary.

Second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is looking like one of the better corners in the NFL in 2025. He is bringing the firepower and confidence needed to dominate the position, and he played a significant role in the defense’s strong performance in their Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Wiggins shadowed Rams’ wide receiver Davante Adams for most of Sunday’s matchup. While Adams may no longer be in his prime, he is still among the league’s best. He is off to an outstanding start this year and remains one of the craftiest route runners in the league.

Sure, Wiggins had some struggles; he got called for a pass interference penalty, and Adams also had a couple of uncharacteristic drops, but he helped limit Adams’ usual dominance. He caught just one of four targets when covered by Wiggins on 27 routes, and posted his lowest yards output of the season.

During his press conference on Tuesday, senior defensive assistant and secondary coach Chuck Pagano highlighted Wiggins’ eagerness to cover Adams in Week 6.

“[Wiggins] came to us and said, ‘I got [Adams] this week,’” Pagano said. “What we saw was this unbelievable sense of urgency, focus, detail…Everybody’s looking to have a guy like Nate. A true number-one corner that when you face guys like Adams, the guy is willing and he’s got the capability, athleticism, and skillset to go do it.”

Pagano noted that while Wiggins was beaten at times, he also made some standout plays that truly showcase what he is capable of.

Nate Wiggins could ignite the spark needed for midseason turnaround

Wiggins has proved to be a well-above-average corner through six games. He has registered a 68.8 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, which ranks 36th among qualifying corners. He is also proving that he can get it done no matter the coverage or scenario; man or zone, he is locking down the opposing wideout.

The 22-year-old still needs to prove he can be more consistent from week to week, but in the midst of a horrendous start for defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s unit, Wiggins has been a major bright spot. 

After holding the Rams to 17 points last week, and stars like Wiggins bringing intensity on and off the field, there may still be hope in Baltimore.