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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Tyler Forness

Vikings 2024 NFL draft scouting report: Clemson CB Nate Wiggins

Welcome to SKOL Search!

This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.

The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at quarterback, running back, defensive line and edge rusher. We will also focus on wide receiver since it’s a loaded class and an increased chance to get a Stefon Diggs-type steal in the later rounds.

The Vikings are slated to have 9 picks going into the NFL draft and they need to make the most out of them.

Background

Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Wiggins

  • Clemson
  • Height-6020
  • Weight-185 lbs
  • Third-year junior
  • 4-Star recruit per 247 Sports
  • Stats: 60 tackles, 49 solo, 3.0 tackles for loss, 1.0sacks, 21 pass defended, 2 forced fumbles, 3 interceptions
  • Games watched: Duke 2023, Florida State 2023, North Carolina 2023

Strengths

David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

Wiggins is a really good athlete and you can see it in multiple facets. He can stop on a dime and click and close with explosiveness.

In press, Wiggins looks comfortable. He keeps his knees bent and doesn’t open up his hips early to allow a clean release. Quick feet are on full display consistently. Wiggins doesn’t waste any motion when getting into his backpedal.

When in space, Wiggins moves fluidly and stays in phase with the wide receiver. Double moves can get him but Wiggins has the makeup speed to get back in phase and narrow the throwing window.

Weaknesses

Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

In the run game, Wiggins can take poor angles, allowing the runner to get the edge and turn upfield.

When receivers take him vertically at the stem, Wiggins can get a little bit grabby and panics at the stem.

In press, would like to see him initiate contact more consistently. Stays a little too passive when the opportunity is there to get in a punch.

Wiggins has a relatively slight frame at 185 lbs. He can get bullied in physical situations but has the room to add muscle.

Overview

Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Man 8.5/10
Zone 8.6/10
Hips/Fluidity 8.5/10
Recognition 13.6/15
Quickness 8.7/10
Run Support 8.0/10
Speed 8.7/10
Recovery 8.9/10
Tackling 4.2/5
Ball Skills 8.1/10
Grade 85.8/100 First Round

Wiggins is a really talented cornerback who can play in a variety of schemes. At 6020, Wiggins can stand to build on his 185 lb frame which is a little lean right now, but has plenty of room to add lean muscle and get up to 195-200 lbs without impacting his athleticism.

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