Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins ran a blazing-fast 4.28 40-yard dash at last week's NFL Combine. It would have been the fastest recorded time if Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy hadn't broken the all-time record by running a 4.21. Wiggins' result didn't go unnoticed and has improved his pre-draft stock.
Wiggins is an elite athlete who also possesses the wingspan and traits to be a disruptive starting cornerback. The Tigers' standout defender is extremely competitive and combative at the catch point. Wiggins is a patient cornerback who plays the position with terrific instincts. That overall makeup is going to make Wiggins a hot commodity on draft weekend.
Several teams can use a starting cornerback with Wiggins' abilities. We've identified three potential landing spots for Wiggins in the 2024 NFL Draft.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Depending on what they decide at quarterback, the Vikings feel like the first team that could think about drafting Wiggins with the 11th selection. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores appreciates a cornerback who can play man coverage in a blitz-heavy scheme. Adding Wiggins to the fold would help Flores make some necessary adjustments to his defense this offseason.
The Vikings allowed a 24th-ranked 234.5 passing yards per game last season. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has retooled the position in recent drafts by adding Mekhi Blackmon, Akayleb Evans, and Andrew Booth Jr. The makeover is nearly complete. Wiggins could be the final piece to help Minnesota complete the transformation in their defensive backfield.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson replaced defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell with Ryan Nielsen this offseason. Nielsen was a home-run hire for a defense that needs improving. Nielsen now begins identifying players that tailor-fit his scheme.
The Jaguars are going to make changes at cornerback this offseason as a result. The process began earlier this week when general manager Trent Baalke released veteran cornerback Darious Williams from his contract. Williams played 1,035 snaps last season, which accounted for more than 90% of all defensive plays. That’s a heavy workload that now requires proper replacing.
An appropriate in-house replacement isn't present. No, the cash-strapped Jaguars must address the position through free agency or the draft. The latter is likelier given that Baalke just released a slew of players due to difficulties against the 2024 salary cap. Wiggins could be a target with the 17th overall selection. He'd immediately step in and fill a need opposite Tyson Campbell.
DETROIT LIONS
Lions general manager Brad Holmes could target a cornerback with the No. 29 overall pick. The Lions reached the NFC Championship Game despite allowing a 27th-ranked 247.4 air yards per game. That needs immediate addressing if the Lions are to repeat the success of the 2023 campaign. More talent is needed at cornerback.
Holmes re-signed Emmanuel Moseley earlier this week, but others are expected to depart. Jerry Jacobs, who played 744 snaps last season, is a free agent and an upgrade could replace him. Wiggins would join Brian Branch, Moseley, and Cam Sutton in what's developing into a young, ascending secondary under the tutelage of returning defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
