Mike Florio put out his one and only mock draft of this draft season. He has Miami taking a player at a position that really isn’t one of need.
Round 1, Pick #21: Nate Wiggins, CB – Clemson
Wiggins’ combination of coverage talent and traits could make him a defensive coordinator’s dream. He’s tall, long and fast with rare recovery speed when beaten. Silky smooth lower-body movement allows him to mirror releases and trace routes without much effort. He can squeeze a little tighter from off-man coverage, while his range as a Cover 3 cornerback makes him a dangerous option to throw near. He plays with good recognition and elite burst to the throw, which could lead to Pro Bowl production if he can play with more consistent decisiveness. He needs to become a tougher player in run support and when contesting catches against NFL size. Wiggins’ speed, scheme versatility and playmaking instincts should make him the most sought after cornerback in the draft.
Nate Wiggins, a junior cornerback from Clemson, measures an impressive 6’2” and weighs 185 pounds. Coming out of Westlake High School as a 4-star recruit, Wiggins quickly made his presence felt at Clemson. In his freshman year, he played in 7 games, recording 2 tackles and a pass breakup with a QB rating when targeted of 50.3.
His sophomore season saw a substantial uptick in performance with 25 tackles and 9 pass breakups over 12 games.
Wiggins’ junior year solidified his prowess in the secondary, with 23 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and allowing a meager 44.4 QB rating when targeted.
Nate Wiggins emerges as a potential top-five cornerback prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, offering a compelling blend of physical attributes, with elite recovery speed, coverage skills, and football IQ. His height and arm length, combined with his proficiency in various coverage schemes, make him a versatile and competitive option for teams seeking an outside cornerback.
While he shows room for improvement in burst and physicality, Wiggins’ demonstrated growth and performance against top-tier talent suggest a high ceiling at the NFL level. His skill set aligns well with a cover-3-based defense, but he also has the tools to adapt and thrive in various schemes.
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