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The Baltimore Ravens already boast one of the NFL's most talented secondaries. Now, one of its most important pieces, starting cornerback Nate Wiggins, believes fans haven't seen anything close to the best version of him yet. That's a frightening thought for opposing quarterbacks and their coordinators. That's some of the summer's best news for Ravens fans. Recently, Wiggins sat down with The Journey Media for a wide-ranging conversation that touched on football, mindset, and future expectations.
Somewhere during the discussion, a revelation emerged that should have Ravens fans smiling. According to the star cornerback, he hasn't been fully healthy since his high school playing days. Even more surprising, he estimated that he has been performing at roughly 60% to 70% physically during much of his football journey. Following surgery and a lengthy recovery process, however, he believes that's finally changing.
That's quite a statement. Let's put Wiggins' claim into perspective. He ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. That was at 60%-70%? Since leaving high school, Wiggins developed into a standout performer for the Clemson Tigers, earning First-Team All-ACC honors in 2023. He then became a first-round draft choice and immediately carved out a major role in one of the NFL's toughest secondaries. If his claims are accurate, what might he accomplish at 100%? The football world has already witnessed remarkable success from a player who believes he wasn't operating at full strength. Through two professional seasons, he has appeared in 32 regular-season games while making 23 starts. He has also started two playoff games.
Along the way, he has collected 115 tackles (including the postseason), four interceptions, a pick-six touchdown, 27 pass breakups, and a forced fumble. Most young cornerbacks playing at 100% would gladly accept those results.
The scary part for the rest of the league is that Wiggins believes there's another level waiting to be unlocked. Cornerback is one of the NFL's most demanding positions. A fraction of a second can determine whether a defender breaks up a pass or gives up a touchdown. Better movement, improved health, and greater confidence can make an enormous difference. The Ravens already viewed Wiggins as a cornerstone piece of their defense. His latest comments suggest he shares that belief. They also suggest that better football is coming for the young star.
If the first two seasons came while playing at less than full strength, Ravens fans have every reason to be curious about what comes next. Year 3 was already expected to be important. According to Wiggins, it may also be the year everyone finally sees what a fully healthy version of him looks like.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens CB Nate Wiggins could unlock another level in Year 3
Continue reading...
Somewhere during the discussion, a revelation emerged that should have Ravens fans smiling. According to the star cornerback, he hasn't been fully healthy since his high school playing days. Even more surprising, he estimated that he has been performing at roughly 60% to 70% physically during much of his football journey. Following surgery and a lengthy recovery process, however, he believes that's finally changing.
That's quite a statement. Let's put Wiggins' claim into perspective. He ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. That was at 60%-70%? Since leaving high school, Wiggins developed into a standout performer for the Clemson Tigers, earning First-Team All-ACC honors in 2023. He then became a first-round draft choice and immediately carved out a major role in one of the NFL's toughest secondaries. If his claims are accurate, what might he accomplish at 100%? The football world has already witnessed remarkable success from a player who believes he wasn't operating at full strength. Through two professional seasons, he has appeared in 32 regular-season games while making 23 starts. He has also started two playoff games.
Along the way, he has collected 115 tackles (including the postseason), four interceptions, a pick-six touchdown, 27 pass breakups, and a forced fumble. Most young cornerbacks playing at 100% would gladly accept those results.
A massive third-year opportunity
The scary part for the rest of the league is that Wiggins believes there's another level waiting to be unlocked. Cornerback is one of the NFL's most demanding positions. A fraction of a second can determine whether a defender breaks up a pass or gives up a touchdown. Better movement, improved health, and greater confidence can make an enormous difference. The Ravens already viewed Wiggins as a cornerstone piece of their defense. His latest comments suggest he shares that belief. They also suggest that better football is coming for the young star.
If the first two seasons came while playing at less than full strength, Ravens fans have every reason to be curious about what comes next. Year 3 was already expected to be important. According to Wiggins, it may also be the year everyone finally sees what a fully healthy version of him looks like.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens CB Nate Wiggins could unlock another level in Year 3
Continue reading...
