The Baltimore Ravens have a solid young core, with several long-term foundational pieces on both sides of the ball. They have a number of players in particular still within their first few NFL seasons that profile as key focal points of the team\u2019s present and future.<\/p>\n
Rising sophomore cornerback Nate Wiggins fits into this category. According to Bleacher Report\u2019s Moe Moton, the 2024 first-round pick is the Ravens\u2019 most promising young talent and building block heading into the 2025 season.<\/p>\n
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\u201c[The Baltimore Ravens] signed two-time Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander, though that shouldn\u2019t impact [Nate] Wiggins\u2019 playing time when the defense lines up in nickel alignment with three cornerbacks\u201d Moton wrote. \u201cWiggins should have opportunities to make plays on the boundary as he did in his rookie campaign.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before the Ravens recent addition of Alexander, Wiggins as viewed as an every-down starter opposite Humphrey in the lineup \u2014 a role he gradually grew into down the stretch last season. While some may anticipate Alexander\u2019s insertion could put a dent in Wiggins\u2019 playing time, as Moton notes, he\u2019ll still play a prominent role in three-cornerback alignments.<\/p>\n
When the Ravens selected Wiggins with the No. 30 overall pick last year, the team was adamant in their belief they acquired the draft\u2019s best cornerback prospect. Wiggins validated this confidence in him with his performance in Year 1.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile on the field for 68 percent of the defensive snaps last season, Wiggins recorded 13 pass breakups and an interception while allowing a 50 percent completion rate and a 66.7 passer rating in coverage,\u201d Moton notes.<\/p>\n
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As to be expected with any rookie defensive back, Wiggins had some up-and-down moments in his rookie campaign. However, he made consistent strides and improved as the year progressed, becoming a reliable man coverage corner by the postseason.<\/p>\n
The former Clemson product will be turning 22 years old just before the start of the upcoming 2025 season and still has lots of room to grow, particularly physically. Thus, while he quickly established himself as a starter-level player, Wiggins\u2019 untapped upside is tremendous.<\/p>\n
Moton also proceeds to point out that with Alexander\u2019s injury track record, having missed 10 games in each of the past two seasons, Wiggins could still end up being the team\u2019s most reliable cornerback after Humphrey. Either way, for both this season and beyond, the sky is the limit for him.<\/p>\n
More from baltimorebeatdown.com:<\/p>\n
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