FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Nate Wiggins
Nate Wiggins (CB – Clemson)
6’2″ – 185 lbs.
Background:
Four-star recruit out of Atlanta who played sparingly as a freshman, being criticized by Dabo Swinney for immaturity. Addressed those issues and took over a starting job in week four of the 2022 season, allowing 31/61 passing (50.8%) for 385 yards, two touchdowns, one interception and 10 breakups. Declared after a junior campaign in which quarterbacks targeted him for an 18/41 line (43.9%) with 176 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and four breakups.
Positives:
Two-year starter with a very good development trajectory. Tall, lanky corner who typically lines up on the right side of Clemson’s defense, but could play on the left (see the NC State game, for example.) Techniques are mostly off, shuffle, zone, press-man. Plays with some swagger. Very good athlete, especially for his size. Fast corner who can carry receivers downfield. Has quick feet and impressive stop-start movement skills. When playing in off coverage, recognizes underneath routes quickly and transitions cleanly to driving on a spot, allowing him to make a play on the ball. Able to stick with fades and slot fades successfully. Uses his hands to feel routes developing. Does a nice job of getting his head around to locate the ball when his back is turned. Has impressive body control and leaping skills, and his length allows him to make plays on the ball. From off-coverage, shows good anticipation to undercut routes. Willing to come up and deliver hits to help set the tone. Attacks blocks with more physicality than his build would suggest. Can be dynamic with the ball in his hands; two career pick-sixes on three interceptions.
Negatives:
Will probably need to continue developing his frame and functional strength to avoid being bullied. Gets a bit too upright in his backpedal. A bit high-cut overall, and doesn’t have the loosest hips. Doesn’t have a major element of physicality in coverage, although he can bring it as a hitter. On-ball production was better last year, and has some snaps in which he doesn’t get his head around in time. Contact balance when taking on blocks is iffy at times. Not the most reliable tackler, although he has made strides in that regard.
Summary:
A tall, lanky cornerback who has impressive speed and twitch for his size, and who plays the game with confidence and physicality. While he can be a bit high-cut and there are some inefficiencies in his technique and tackling, it looks like teams will be willing to gamble on his tools in the first round. Could develop into a high-quality starter with a year of coaching and strength training. However, might not be quite as safe as some of the other first-round possibilities.
Projection: Round 1
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