Why the Slide?: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

This series was created a number of years ago in response to questions about why certain well-known prospects went unselected in NFL drafts. For these articles, I reach out to sources with NFL teams to find out why their organizations passed on drafting a given player, and/or, what were the reasons for other teams to pass on that prospect. The positive response to “Why Undrafted” and questions from readers about why prospects were drafted lower than the media expectations led us to create the parallel series “Why the Slide?”

Both series are back this year. Feel free to email me requests for Why the Slide? and Why Undrafted? at [email protected]. I can’t promise to get to all of them, but I will do my best and definitely will respond to the email.

Across the scouting community in the NFL, Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins was viewed as the best pure man-cover corner in the 2024 NFL Draft. Wiggins has electric speed alongside height and smooth athleticism to run the route and prevent separation. Some sources whose teams were picking late in the top 20 had Wiggins in contention for their pick, but thought he could easily be off the board by the time their turn was up. Hence, it was a surprise when Wiggins lasted to very late in the first round.

In speaking to team sources, they said Wiggins slid because of two issues. One, Wiggins lacked physicality on tape and teams did not like they way he avoided tackling at times. Two, Wiggins had some character concerns that hurt him with some teams.

The Baltimore Ravens ended Wiggins slide at the 30th-overall pick. They should be an excellent landing spot for him. The Ravens have a strong, well-coached defense that has a lot of talent in the secondary. With Pro Bowl veteran Marlon Humphrey taking on No. 1 receivers, Wiggins should benefit by being allowed to handle the No. 2 wideouts. Baltimore also has an excellent safety tandem in Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams to help Wiggins in coverage, if necessary. While Wiggins slide to No. 30 was surprising, he ended up in a great landing spot. Wiggins could turn into an excellent starting cornerback for the Ravens.