CLEMSON — With the 2024 NFL Draft just a week away, former Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins will likely hear his name called in the first round.
If he does, Wiggins will become the first Clemson cornerback taken in the first round of the NFL Draft since A.J. Terrell in 2020. He is one of six Tigers—DT Ruke Orhorhoro, LB Jeremiah Trotter, DE Xavier Thomas, DT Tyler Davis and RB Will Shipley—expected to be drafted.
The question is where will the First-Team All-ACC corner be selected? The answer? No one knows because the draft is too unpredictable to make such a call. However, Wiggins will likely be the third or fourth cornerback to come off the board depending on which mock draft you look at.
Personally, I don’t see Wiggins falling out of the top 20, which means his most likely destinations could be Indianapolis at No. 15, Jacksonville at 17 and Pittsburgh at 20. Wiggins was one of only three players the Steelers interviewed at the combine, went to his pro day and brought him in for a top 30 pre-draft visit.
Granted the Steelers have other needs more pressing than a new cornerback. However, if he is the best player available at the time of their pick, they might grab him to solidify their two corner positions for years to come. They selected Joey Porter, Jr. with the 32-pick in last year’s draft.
If Wiggins was to drop past the Steelers, Philadelphia would likely snatch him up at No. 22.
Wiggins is sought after by NFL teams because of his size (6-1, 173), speed (4.28 40-yard dash) and athleticism.
In 2022, he led the Tigers with 12 passes broken up and intercepted possible No. 1 overall pick Drake Maye in the ACC Championship Game, returning its 98 yards for a touchdown.
Wiggins again led the Tigers in PBUs in 2023, this time with nine. He had two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown.
“Wiggins’ combination of coverage talent and traits could make him a defensive coordinator’s dream,” the NFL.com wrote. “He’s tall, long and fast with rare recovery speed when beaten. Silky smooth lower-body movement allows him to mirror releases and trace routes without much effort.”
Of course, the play he is most remembered for was his rundown of UNC running back Omarion Hampton this past season that prevented Hampton from scoring a 64-yard touchdown. Wiggins ran Hampton down and stripped the football from him before he crossed the goal line. That play alone could land Wiggins in the top 15.
“He can squeeze a little tighter from off-man coverage, while his range as a Cover 3 cornerback makes him a dangerous option to throw near,” the NFL.com said. “He plays with good recognition and elite burst to the throw, which could lead to Pro Bowl production if he can play with more consistent decisiveness.
“He needs to become a tougher player in run support and when contesting catches against NFL size. Wiggins’ speed, scheme versatility and playmaking instincts should make him the most sought after cornerback in the draft.”
The NFL Draft will be held April 25-27 in Detroit.
A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available. Get yours while supplies last! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
