Ravens Rookie Defender Already Drawing Star-Level Praise Before First NFL Snap, Raising Expectations Inside Baltimore Locker Room
The Baltimore Ravens are no strangers to grooming defensive stars. From Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to C.J. Mosley and Marlon Humphrey, their ability to identify, develop, and maximize elite talent on that side of the ball is a cornerstone of their franchise identity. So when a rookie defender starts drawing comparisons to past legends before playing a single NFL snap, it naturally sparks both excitement and curiosity throughout the league. That’s exactly what’s happening with Nate Wiggins, the Ravens’ top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Selected 30th overall out of Clemson, Wiggins entered the league with high expectations. Known for his elite speed, fluid hips, and lockdown ability in man coverage, the 6-foot-2 cornerback was widely projected as a potential late-first or early-second round selection. But what has happened since his arrival in Baltimore has elevated those expectations into something else entirely. Coaches, teammates, and analysts have all heaped praise on the rookie, labeling him an “instant star” and one of the most NFL-ready defensive backs in his class.
That kind of label can be a double-edged sword—especially in a city like Baltimore, where defensive legends are not only celebrated but immortalized. The Ravens’ fanbase doesn’t hand out praise lightly, and neither do their coaches. Yet defensive coordinator Zach Orr, who stepped into his role following Mike Macdonald’s departure to Seattle, has been outspoken in his belief that Wiggins is special.
“He’s got the mentality we want,” Orr said after the first week of minicamp. “He doesn’t flinch. He lines up across from veterans and competes like he belongs—because he does. His technique, his speed, his feel for the game—it’s rare.”
The speed is what jumps out first. Wiggins reportedly ran a 4.28 in the 40-yard dash during private workouts, making him one of the fastest players in the 2025 draft class. But it’s not just straight-line speed—his quick-twitch reactions and fluid change of direction allow him to stick to receivers like glue. That kind of athleticism gives him an edge against even the most explosive wideouts, something the Ravens desperately need given the challenges posed by opposing AFC North receivers like Ja’Marr Chase, George Pickens, and Amari Cooper.
But Wiggins’ rise isn’t just about physical gifts. What’s impressed Ravens veterans is his mental approach. Despite being only 20 years old, he carries himself with the demeanor of a seasoned pro. He’s described by coaches as a film junkie who spends hours in the facility even on off days, often sitting with veteran corners and defensive backs to pick their brains. Marlon Humphrey, the former All-Pro corner who has battled injuries the past two seasons, has taken Wiggins under his wing and spoken glowingly of his young teammate.
“He’s ahead of where I was as a rookie, no question,” Humphrey admitted. “There’s a poise to him. And he listens. You can tell he’s got big goals.”
That maturity is already translating to the practice field. During OTAs and early training camp, Wiggins has rotated with the first-team defense, often tasked with covering top targets like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. And he hasn’t looked out of place. One highlight from early July showed Wiggins breaking up a deep pass intended for Flowers, staying stride-for-stride with the second-year speedster and timing his deflection perfectly.
For a team that entered the offseason with questions at cornerback, Wiggins’ emergence couldn’t come at a better time. Marlon Humphrey is still working his way back to full health, and veteran Steven Nelson, though solid, isn’t a long-term solution. Brandon Stephens, who played well in 2024, is entering the final year of his contract and may not return in 2026 due to cap constraints. The Ravens needed a young, controllable cornerback who could step in quickly and provide both immediate help and long-term upside. Wiggins fits that mold perfectly.
Yet with praise comes pressure. The Ravens know all too well how young players can get overwhelmed by early hype. They’ve tried to temper expectations internally, even as excitement builds externally. Orr and head coach John Harbaugh have rotated Wiggins in and out of first-team reps, ensuring he’s tested in different coverage schemes and against varied offensive looks. They’re not handing him a starting job—he’s being asked to earn it.
But the signs point to Wiggins making a serious push for a starting role by Week 1. His ability to play man or zone, press at the line, and track the ball in the air gives him schematic versatility. And perhaps most importantly, he doesn’t shy away from physicality—a trait Baltimore coaches covet in all their defenders. Whether it’s tackling on the edge, fighting through blocks, or jamming receivers at the line, Wiggins brings the kind of edge that fits seamlessly into the Ravens’ defensive ethos.
The front office deserves credit for landing him. While other teams chased flashier offensive weapons or high-risk pass rushers, Baltimore stuck to its roots—prioritizing cornerback play, knowing that in a division filled with elite quarterbacks and receivers, coverage ability is non-negotiable. In Wiggins, they may have found the perfect combination of athleticism, intelligence, and confidence to help anchor their secondary for years to come.
Of course, none of this guarantees success. The NFL is unforgiving, especially for rookie corners. One bad game, one misstep in coverage, and the perception of a “can’t-miss” prospect can begin to unravel. The Ravens understand this, which is why they continue to reinforce the message internally: stay humble, stay hungry, keep grinding. Wiggins seems to embody that mindset.
And then there’s the matter of fit—not just in terms of scheme, but culture. Baltimore is a place where defenders are expected to carry the torch passed down from legends. Ray Lewis famously demanded accountability from rookies. Ed Reed led by example, studying film at 3 a.m. and expecting teammates to do the same. Wiggins is already earning respect in that regard, often being the first one on the field and one of the last to leave.
Veterans have taken notice. “He’s got it,” linebacker Roquan Smith said. “You don’t say that lightly. You don’t say it unless you mean it. That kid’s gonna be a star.”
If he stays healthy and continues to progress at his current pace, Wiggins may not just be a star in the making—he could be a key piece of Baltimore’s championship puzzle in 2025. With Lamar Jackson leading an improved offense, and the defensive front still stacked with talent like Justin Madubuike and David Ojabo, a lockdown corner on the back end could be the missing ingredient.
NFL teams always talk about windows—those rare periods when talent, experience, and health align to create legitimate Super Bowl opportunities. The Ravens believe they’re in that window now. Wiggins, despite being a rookie, might be one of the most important pieces in maximizing it.
Fans are already buying into the hype. His jersey is flying off shelves in Baltimore, and social media buzzes with every highlight clip that surfaces from practice. But inside the facility, the tone remains serious and focused. Wiggins hasn’t played a down yet. He hasn’t faced NFL speed in a live game. He hasn’t been targeted by elite quarterbacks trying to exploit rookie mistakes.
Still, all signs point to a bright future.
Whether or not he truly becomes an “instant star” remains to be seen. But few rookies have ever arrived in Baltimore with as much early praise—or the opportunity to prove it so quickly. Wiggins doesn’t seem fazed. He welcomes the spotlight, embraces the challenge, and carries the confidence of someone who knows he belongs.
For now, the hype train rolls on. And if early indicators are to be believed, Nate Wiggins might just be the next great name in a long line of Ravens defensive legends.
