Colts Projected to Add Speedy CB to Bolster Pass Defense

The Athletic's Dane Brugler predicted the Indianapolis Colts to select Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Connecting the Indianapolis Colts to cornerbacks in the 2024 NFL rookie draft class has been a popular trend early this offseason. That continued this week with the latest mock draft from The Athletic's Dane Brugler.

In his latest 2024 NFL mock draft released on January 16, Brugler predicted the Colts to select Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins at No. 15 overall in the first round.

"I would love to see the Colts add LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. here, but they must also improve defensively on the back end — especially in a division with C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence," Brugler wrote. "With his length, short-area suddenness and 4.3 speed, Wiggins has the traits that fit what the organization target."

The Colts featured a very young secondary during the 2023 season, especially at cornerback. It could be even younger next season unless Indianapolis makes significant additions to the position in free agency.

Both veterans Kenny Moore II and Tony Brown are set to be unrestricted free agents for the Colts this offseason.

As of right now, JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones are the top two cornerbacks on Indianapolis' depth chart (excluding pending free agents). Both were rookies during the 2023 season.

For that reason, it might make the most sense for the Colts to add a veteran at cornerback. But drafting a cornerback in the first round to pair with Brents, who was a second-rounder in 2023, is also an attractive option.

In 10 games with Clemson during the 2023 season, Wiggins posted 29 total tackles, including 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack and 2 interceptions. In 27 career college contests, he recorded 60 total tackles, including 3 for loss, 3 interceptions and 21 pass defenses.

The ESPN consensus draft rankings have Wiggins rated as the top cornerback in the upcoming 2024 draft class. ESPN also has Wiggins rated the No. 12 overall player in the class.