Pros, cons of Baltimore Ravens picking Clemson football’s Nate Wiggins in 2024 NFL Draft
Derrian CarterCLEMSON — Cornerback Nate Wiggins from Clemson football is officially an NFL rookie after being picked 30th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday.
Here's what Wiggins brings to Baltimore, based on our own observations from his tenure at Clemson:
What Nate Wiggins brings to Baltimore Ravens in 2024 NFL Draft
The 6-foot-2, 182-pound Wiggins is a lengthy, athletic and physical cornerback. He has an eye for the football, leading the Tigers in pass deflections in back-to-back years. As the Tigers' two-year starter across 23 games, he recorded three interceptions, two forced fumbles and 22 pass deflections.
At the NFL scouting combine, Wiggins ran the 40-yard dash in 4.28 seconds, fastest among the cornerbacks. His speed will show in coverage, and his length will disrupt defenders.
Nate Wiggins' highlights, strengths, weaknesses at Clemson football
Wiggins had one of his finest games when the Tigers faced North Carolina on Nov. 18. He saved the Tigers from a touchdown in the first quarter, reaching 22.1 mph to catch running back Omarion Hampton from behind to force a fumble at the goal line. Then, he ended any hopes of a Tar Heels fourth-quarter comeback by jumping a route to intercept the pass.Against North Carolina in the 2022 ACC Championship, Wiggins recorded a 98-yard pick six in the third quarter for his first career interception return. It is the longest play in ACC Championship history.
Wiggins boasts strong technique and footwork and natural defensive instincts in man and zone coverage. A concern for the Atlanta native is his frame. Wiggins weighed 173 at the combine but had bulked up to 182 at Clemson's pro day about two weeks later. His thin frame shows up when he has to make tackles, get off blocks and handle bigger wideouts.
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Nate Wiggins' stats at Clemson football
Across 34 games (18 starts), Wiggins recorded:
- Three interceptions (two pick sixes)
- Two forced fumbles
- 24 pass deflections
- 60 tackles (one sack)
Nate Wiggins' player comparison in NFL
According to NFL.com, Wiggins' NFL comparison is Tyson Campbell, who played at Georgia and was drafted 33rd overall in the second round in 2022 by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both are tall, fast and long and have strong coverage abilities.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00