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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Nate Wiggins

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Nick DeMao | Last updated Feb 11, 2024 11:51 AM ET

Nate Wiggins NFL Draft Profile

College: Clemson
College Position: Boundary CB
Ideal NFL Position: Boundary CB
Height/Weight: 6'2", 185 pounds
Year / Age: Junior / 20
Draft Projection: First Round
Where I'd Take Him: Latter half of first round

Background

Nate Wiggins was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and played high school football at Grady High School before transferring to Westlake High School. Westlake, located in Fulton County, has had prestigious NFL alumni such as Cam Newton, A.J. Terrell (a former Clemson Tiger), and Adam "Pacman" Jones. Wiggins was a four-star recruit of both Rivals and 247Sports and committed to Clemson in December 2020.

Named a starter before his sophomore season in 2022, Wiggins quickly emerged as a top cornerback in the nation. He had a 98-yard pick-six in the 2022 ACC Championship Game and received first-team All-ACC honors in 2023 before declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Wiggins finished his Clemson career with 50 tackles (3.0 for a loss), 24 pass breakups, three interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), two forced fumbles, a sack, and a blocked field goal.

Clemson's Nate Wiggins has a case to be this year's best CB prospect:

✅6'2 frame
✅Great FBIQ, + in zone and man
✅++Click & Close
Long Speed in Deep Third could use work
At 185 pounds, needs to add some muscle at next level w/o sacrificing speed#BuildingTheBoard pic.twitter.com/7QkqQsh0vG
— Sniper1154 (@Sniper_1154) February 9, 2024

Strengths

Long frame that he uses to his advantage in press coverage by steering receivers into the sideline
Excellent click-and-close
Fluid hips that open up his long speed effortlessly
High football IQ makes him proficient in press man, off man, and zone coverage

Weaknesses

Though he has good long speed, he loses some speed in the deep third
Can play a bit high and get on his heels
Sometimes too grabby at the stem of routes
Needs to add some strength to his frame at the NFL level if he wants to play press man against more physical receivers
Not particularly aggressive in run support

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Nate Wiggins

Nate Wiggins has a solid case for being the first cornerback selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. His athletic profile, coupled with his length, makes him an alluring boundary cornerback prospect. Couple that with his collegiate accolades and polished technique, and you're likely talking about a player who is a day-one starter at the NFL level.

With some proper coaching, Wiggins has the makings of being a shut-down corner at the NFL level. During his final season at Clemson, he only allowed 18 receptions on 41 targets and a passer rating of 44.4. For comparison, Alabama's Terrion Arnold was targeted 79 times. Teams steered clear of Wiggins, and wisely so in 2023.

Wiggins has the size that Matt Eberflus covets for the cornerback position in his scheme. However, the Chicago Bears would likely need to spend a first-round pick on him, and given their more pressing needs at other positions (defensive end, center, wide receiver, safety), I don't believe drafting Wiggins would be a wise use of draft resources.

Pro Comp: AJ Terrell

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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