Ravens Coach Explains Rookie Roller Coaster for Nate Wiggins

The Baltimore Ravens like what they've seen from their top rookie.

Sep 29, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) reacts on the sidelines during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images / Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Most of the Baltimore Ravens' rookies have seen minimal playing time this season, but some have already emerged as key contributors.

Wiggins, the Ravens' first-round pick at No. 30 overall has quietly put together a solid rookie season for himself. The Clemson product has 10 passes defended in 11 games, and has allowed a passer rating of just 73.4 according to Pro Football Focus. He's yet to record his first career interception, but his season has still largely been a success.

That said, both Wiggins and the Ravens know there's plenty of room to grow, mostly in refining his game.

"[Wiggins has] been inconsistent and consistent, inconsistent and consistent," assistant head coach and passing game coordinator Chris Hewitt said Tuesday. "So, that's something that you do – you take the good with the bad with the rookie, but he has a lot of ability, so you see the upside with that.

"He's made those strides from early in the season going late into the season, and I continue to see him continuing to keep on getting better. I'd like to see him get his hands on the ball a little bit more – at least complete the catches, instead of just breaking it up. But I love where Nate is at right now."

Baltimore's secondary has been a weakness throughout the season, though numerous personnel changes have helped the unit improve over the past few weeks. Wiggins, however, has been a solid piece the entire time, and should only continue to grow throughout his career.

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