The Baltimore Ravens decided that Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins was too enticing of a defensive prospect to pass up on the 2024 NFL Draft, as Eric DeCosta managed to snag a player many expected to be gone within the first top 20 picks at No. 30 overall.
While he is one of the skinniest 6-2 corners you'll see in any draft class, Baltimore was seduced by his blazing speed, aggressive man coverage, and phenomenal ball skills. He has the body type and overall skills of a player who will end up with a very long career in the pros.
NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah compared Wiggins to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (who picked off 30 passes in 12 seasons) during the draft, while NFL.com thought he was similar to Jaguars corner Tyson Campbell. His best comparison might be another one of Dabo Swinney's former DBs.
Imagine Wiggins playing like a faster version of A.J. Terrell, another Clemson defensive back who became a second-team All-Pro despite playing on a bad Atlanta Falcons defense during his rookie contract. In terms of lining up and locking down the opposing receiver, Wiggins is as good as it gets in this class.
Nate Wiggins: 89.5 coverage grade since 2022 (1st among all ACC CBs) 🔒 pic.twitter.com/hSuPlbwDwn
— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) April 26, 2024
Ravens CB Nate Wiggins player comparison: Falcons DB A.J. Terrell
Terrell has picked off four passes in his career while making one second-team All-Pro nod in his first four seasons. If the Ravens get an All-Pro nod out of Wiggins on his rookie contract, they will assuredly be thrilled with the performance of their No. 30 overall selection.
Wiggins' speed makes him one of the best athletes in this class, but his coverage skills are his true calling card. Not only did he allow a passer rating of just 44.4 when targeted, but Wiggins only gave up one catch of longer than 20 yards (ironically, to new Ravens teammate Devontez Walker) last season.
The Ravens seem excited to add him to the secondary, with starter Marlon Humphrey already mentioning how versatile both he and Brandon Stephens can be. Come hell or high water, the Ravens are determined to get Wiggins on the field early during his rookie season.
Wiggins will need to add some weight to realize his true potential in the pros, but the Ravens have more than enough to work with in his rookie season. Terrell has been a solid pick for Atlanta, and Wiggins' speed may end up giving him a higher ceiling in one of the best defenses in the game.