As the draft talk keeps heating up, more mock drafts have the Philadelphia Eagles selecting a cornerback early. In the latest mock draft, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic had the Philadelphia Eagles select Nate Wiggins, the Clemson cornerback. Wiggins is not a name that has been discussed a ton for the Eagles out of the cornerback group. Yet, he has elite physical traits that have many fans and scouts excited about his potential. At pick 22 in the NFL Draft the Eagles will most likely have a few options at cornerback, and he could be the most exciting one if available on draft day.
Bruce Feldman’s Mock Draft Has Philadelphia Eagles Selecting Nate Wiggins
Nate Wiggins Is All About Speed
The easiest and most recognizable element of Nate Wiggins is his ridiculous speed, which he showcased at the NFL Combine. Wiggins ran a 4.29 forty-yard dash while also hurting himself at some point during the run. He has the type of speed where he won’t fear anybody outrunning him. At Clemson, he was predominantly put into man coverage with little help, and his speed and fluidity helped him blanket receivers over his career. With speed, size, and fluidity through routes, he’s been easily regarded as a top corner in the draft as seen in many mock drafts.
In Feldman’s mock draft, he would ask anonymous college coaches about their thoughts on the prospects. The coach that was asked about Nate Wiggins, had very high praise for him. The coach said, “I think he’s the best kid we played. I love that kid. Love his effort, how he competes… I think he’s an All-Pro caliber player.” Wiggins has both the talent and the discipline to be a star in the NFL. The coach singled out two plays where Wiggins ran down the ball carrier and stripped him just before the goal line. His play against North Carolina not only saved a touchdown but created a turnover as well.
Nate Wiggins' 4.2 in pads and helmet. Film and 40 tie out. pic.twitter.com/pLpoDjsmb4 https://t.co/wuYqZKCpZT
— Couch Potato General Manager 🏈 NFL Draft (@cpgmNFLDraft) March 2, 2024
Nate Wiggins Fit into the Eagles Defense
Wiggins has the traits that any defensive coach loves in a cornerback, he’s not a perfect fit for the Eagles. There are positives, as in the range Wiggins can cover in zone coverage, but there are some negatives as well. Wiggins, is a much lighter corner, weighing in at 173 pounds, and struggled defending the run. While Wiggins has a good change of direction and agility for his size at 6’1”, he doesn’t fit the profile for a slot cornerback. Also, Wiggins could stand to improve his aggressiveness and awareness in zone coverage. Like in this mock draft, there probably will be corners at pick 22 that are primary zone coverage corners.
Overall, Wiggins just profiles more as a man-cover corner. He may be able to become a great corner under Fangio, but it may take some time. Luckily, the Eagles have depth and experience at cornerback, where Wiggins may not have to play a prominent role right away. With some time to get acclimated to the NFL and his elite physical traits, he may become a dominant all-around corner. All in all, Wiggins isn’t the most natural-fitting corner in the draft for the Eagles. But with Wiggins’ size, speed, and demeanor, it’ll be hard for any defensive coach to not dream about coaching him. It seems like in most mock drafts, Wiggins is available at pick 22, which means he’ll be in play for the Eagles.
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