The Clemson cornerback is slight, but he is an athletic freak with elite production.
Over the next couple of weeks, leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft we will take a look at close to 30 prospects to know.
Within that, we will use the excellent work of Dane Brugler, who has just released his “The Beast” 2024 NFL Draft Guide. I highly recommend taking a peek and signing up for The Athletic if only to get Dane’s guide.
It is always an exhaustive work, and he should be commended.
With that said, we will go in order of Dane’s Big Board and use his final analysis as the wrap up of each prospect.
Next up is Dane’s 24th overall prospect and one we have seen mocked to the Arizona Cardinals a lot… Nate Wiggins.
Dane’s Take:
A two-year starter at Clemson, Wiggins was an outside cornerback in defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin’s scheme. An ascending player throughout his time with the Tigers, he combined for 25 passes defended in 23 games over the last two seasons and allowed just 43.9 percent completions when targeted in 2023. (Two of his three career interceptions came against Drake Maye). Wiggins moves with quiet, controlled feet/hips to seamlessly transition out of breaks and accelerate to top gear (allowed only one catch of 20-plus yards on 41 targets in 2023)
Wiggins is a size/speed freak, but rail thin at 173 pounds. Yet, he has insane athleticism and it shows up on the field.
Though he needs to improve his consistency as a run defender, he shows tremendous effort in pursuit and had two chase-down forced fumbles that saved touchdowns in 2023 (Miami and North Carolina).
He plays with his motor always running hot, he is a willing participant in the run game, but his size makes him susceptible to injuries, missed three games the last two seasons.
Yet, his elite on-ball production cannot be denied, as he had 25 passes defensed and 3 interceptions the last two season for the Clemson Tigers.
Overall, Wiggins’ slight frame and suspect play strength are legitimate concerns, but he is a fast and fluid athlete with the cover awareness and on-ball production to be a starting perimeter corner in the NFL. He projects as a longtime NFL starter with tools like those of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
Former Arizona Cardinals first round pick DRC is a perfect comp for Wiggins and why he is such an intriguing prospect.
Next up… Cooper DeJean.
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