The Baltimore Ravens were too enticed by Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins in the 2024 NFL Draft, as Eric DeCosta eschewed the idea of drafting an offensive tackle to select Wiggins with the No. 30 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and make him a cornerstone of their defensive future.
The Ravens developed a habit of taking the best player available, often taking players that take slides in the first round in the name of accumulating raw talent. They had their eyes on Wiggins, so much so that Baltimore was stunned when Dabo Swinney's favorite defensive back was still hanging around.
In a post-Draft press conference, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that he was joking around with coaches before the draft about selecting Wiggins, implying Baltimore believed there was no way Wiggins would still be on the board when they picked at No. 30 overall.
It just so happened that Wiggins was available when Baltimore made their pick, making the choice so obvious for Baltimore that they ran up to the podium to announce it. The Ravens are never going to turn down a quality defensive back in this pass-first NFL.
Coach Harbaugh on the addition of @WigginNathaniel: pic.twitter.com/bfYRlbCcxW
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 26, 2024
John Harbaugh is thrilled the Baltimore Ravens selected Nate Wiggins in 2024 NFL Draft
Wiggins has some of the best speed in this class at any position, and the Ravens are always going to be in the market for man-coverage standouts who can be left on an island. Harbaugh is putting a ton of trust in what Wiggins can be as a cornerback at the next level.
Wiggins will likely be tasked with taking a starting spot away from veteran Brandon Stephens or sliding in as a solid nickel cornerback. With the athleticism and great footwork needed to excel in both spots, Wiggins is a floor-raiser for what is already one of the best secondaries in the league.
Some of Wiggins' new teammates also seem to agree with Harbaugh's belief that the former Tigers star is a perfect fit in this defense. Marlon Humphrey believes his new running mate on the outside was a better fit in Baltimore's scheme than other top prospects like Iowa's Cooper DeJean or Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry.
The Ravens are betting on Wiggins becoming a high-end starter thanks to his spectacular instincts in man coverage and great athletic ability. Baltimore is always looking for value, and the Ravens have seemingly struck gold by taking Wiggins.