Clemson Football: Nate Wiggins drafted 30th overall by the Baltimore Ravens

Shortly before midnight, the Baltimore Ravens made Nate Wiggins the first Clemson Football player off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Wiggins was the 30th overall pick and third cornerback taken in the draft behind Quinyon Mitchell of Toledo (pick No. 22 to the Eagles) and Terrion Arnold of Alabama (pick No. 24 to the Lions).

While some of us may have been wondering where Wiggins would land, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney had a good idea of how the night would unfold.

Wiggins played football at Westlake High School in Atlanta, Georgia. He was ranked 118th nationally in the 247Sports Composite.

Wiggins verbally committed to LSU in August 2020, but decommitted four days before signing day and flipped to Clemson’s Class of 2021.

247Sports National Recruiting Analyst Greg Biggins stated that then-prospect Wiggins reminded him of AJ Terrell.

"Shows high end instincts and a natural feel for the corner position and that’s probably where his upside is highest. Projects as an impact upper tier Power 5 starter and future mid round NFL draft pick."

- Greg Biggins

Wiggins improved upon Biggins’s projection but it wasn’t always a smooth ride as a Tiger. He faced his biggest adversity in 2022 when Clemson traveled to Winston-Salem to face Sam Hartman and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

Hartman found success through the air against every Clemson defender, but Wiggins was the most frustrated. He regained his composure and made the game winning pass breakup in overtime.

Wiggins has decent height (6’-1.5”) for a cornerback in the NFL and his speed is an advantage (he was timed in Indianapolis at 4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash). His 173-pound weight and slight frame might impact his ability to be physical against some of the larger wide receivers in the league.

The draft continues tonight at 7:00 PM. Ruke Orhorhoro, Jeremiah Trotter, Jr., and Will Shipley could hear their names called on Day 2.