A projected first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nate Wiggins had to wait until the end of that round late this past Thursday night before he heard his name called.
But it ended up being worth the wait for Wiggins, as the former Clemson star cornerback was ultimately selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 30th overall pick.
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid appeared on a recent episode of ACC Network’s ACC PM show and shared his thoughts on Wiggins’ landing spot with the Ravens.
“The wait was long, but it was beneficial for him, just because he goes to one of the best organizations in the entire NFL,” Reid said.
“Nate Wiggins, the athleticism, it’s eye-popping with him. He runs 4.27 at the NFL Combine, you saw the movement skills at Clemson’s Pro Day, and this is one of the most pro-ready corners from a technique standpoint in this entire draft class. The ball production continued to get better during his time with the Tigers, and he was one of the leaders of that defense last year.”
During his Clemson career (2021-23), Wiggins tallied 50 tackles (3.0 for loss), 24 pass breakups, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, a sack and a blocked field goal over 34 games (18 starts).
The Atlanta native scored touchdowns of 98 yards (an ACC Championship Game record) and 46 yards on pick-sixes in 2022 and 2023, respectively, becoming the first Clemson player since Rex Varn in 1977-78 to score on an interception return in back-to-back seasons.
A 2023 first-team All-ACC selection, Wiggins also came up with two of the 16 career interceptions thrown by North Carolina’s Drake Maye, who was selected by the New England Patriots with the third overall pick in this year’s draft.
Reid believes that, despite some size and tackling concerns that have surrounded Wiggins, the elite cover corner is primed to be an immediate contributor for the Ravens as a rookie starter in 2024.
“Yes, the tackling needs to improve and the frame is slight at 173 pounds,” Reid said, “but Nate Wiggins is a certified baller and I think he’s going to be a starter from Day 1 in that Ravens secondary.”
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!
