Cat’s out of the bag for Ravens fans hoping this breakout star stayed hidden

The Baltimore Ravens' pass defense was abysmal for much of the 2024 season. A combination of struggling defensive backs and Zach Orr’s first year as the defensive coordinator caused an out-of-character first half of the season for the Ravens defense. 

The group turned it around in the second half, though, forming into one of the league’s best defensive units. One of the biggest reasons for this transformation was the rise of then-rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins. The former first-round pick saw the field sporadically early on, but the last 10 games saw Wiggins come into his own. Now, the secret is out on the 21-year-old.

Nate Wiggins is primed for a breakout in 2025

In a recent article, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report created an all-underrated team for the 2025 NFL season. Of the three cornerbacks listed, Wiggins was a name to watch, along with Zyon McCollum of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Arizona Cardinals’ corner Garrett Williams. 

When fans and analysts think of Ravens defensive backs, Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey are the talk of the town. Rookie Malaki Starks is quickly gaining traction, too, leaving Wiggins as one of the most slept-on players in the NFL. However, he may have been the key to Baltimore’s drastic turnaround late in 2024. 

Coming out of Clemson, Wiggins was known for his freakish athleticism and playmaking ability. While it took some time to showcase at the pro level, he made his name known at the perfect time. He was a lockdown corner on the boundary, allowing a completion percentage of just 50 percent. By season’s end, he earned a 70.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, proving to be a menace against both the run and pass. 

The most significant moment of his season came in a must-win game. Following a strong but frustrating season filled with dropped interceptions, that changed in Week 18 against the Cleveland Browns. Wiggins was a catalyst in helping the Ravens clinch the AFC North, kicking off the scoring by grabbing his first interception and returning it for six. It was a weight lifted off his shoulders, which eventually led to a 35-10 Ravens win.

Coaches have raved about Wiggins since the day he came into the building following the 2024 NFL Draft, and that praise has continued this offseason. The competitive nature that the second-year pro brings perfectly fits Baltimore’s defense and makes everyone better. He peaked at the perfect time, and with another year of experience for him and Orr, he is due for a big-time second-year leap.

As the 2025 season approaches, Wiggins is just scratching the surface of what he could become. With so many talented defensive backs around him and a young mastermind leading the way in Orr, Wiggins, and the Ravens’ defense should prove to be one of the league’s best in 2025.

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