Ravens future star poised to become unstoppable after major physique change

Odafe Oweh wasn’t the only one to experience a physique change this offseason. After the fifth-year pass rusher mentioned he added 20 pounds of muscle before coming to OTAs, Nate Wiggins told reporters on Friday that he had put on 10 pounds over the last few months.

“It was a big offseason for me to just gain weight and get stronger,” Wiggins said. “I gained like 10 pounds. I’m a lot stronger and a lot bigger.”

Nate Wiggins has the makings to become a superstar

Wiggins had an impressive rookie season in 2024. After taking a few weeks to learn the pace of the league and crack the starting group on defense, the 21-year-old proved why he was a first-round pick. He finished the year with a 70.7 grade per Pro Football Focus, which was good for sixth among rookie corners. 

For a player whose biggest concerns coming out of college were surrounding his weight, the transformation should allow him to be even better during his 2025 campaign. He’s still considered undersized for the position at 185 pounds, but the extra 10 pounds will still do wonders for Wiggins.

He mentioned the reason behind it all was to match the physicality of the NFL. Last season, Wiggins struggled to absorb contact at times, listing landing on his shoulder as a moment when it really took a toll on his body. Now, he should be able to take on the brutality of the league from down to down.

Baltimore struggled mightily with injuries last season, and while some played through them, it slowed the team down, especially at the start of the season. If the former Clemson star can remain healthy, it’ll allow the rest of the defense to thrive. All-Pro Marlon Humphrey would continue his dominance in the slot, and the versatility in the defensive back room would benefit, too. 

The extra weight is crucial to the whole team's performance. Baltimore needs him to step up this season and prove he can lead the defensive backs as the top boundary corner. 

With the added weight, he can match the physicality of wide receivers off the line of scrimmage and take the giant step forward the Ravens are hoping for. He has the speed to match and recover whenever necessary, but adding a sense of physicality to his coverage abilities and in the run game can help him grow into one of the league’s best. 

As we approach the 2025 season, the Ravens have all the makings of a Super Bowl-caliber team. From top to bottom and offense to defense, there’s superstar talent littered all over. It’s one of the most well-built rosters in the league. They’ll have to put it together in the postseason, and Wiggins’ growth and playmaking ability could be a game-changer in reaching their championship aspirations.

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