Kyle Stackpole of CBS Sports predicted that the Detroit Lions would select cornerback Nate Wiggins at No. 29 overall in the 2024 NFL draft.
The Detroit Lions’ pass defense will most likely not improve with only one addition. However, CBS Sports’ Kyle Stackpole suggested Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins may be the first step toward upgrading a secondary that ranked 27th in the NFL in passing yards allowed last season.
In his NFL mock draft on February 16, Stackpole ranked Wiggins 29th overall to the Lions.
“If the Lions want to make their first Super Bowl appearance, they’ll need their pass defense to be better,” he said. “Nate Wiggins, with his 6-foot-2 frame and lightning speed, would be a great start toward improving the secondary.”
Since the Super Bowl, Stackpole has joined The Ringer’s Ben Solak and NFLmocks.com’s Cody Spears as mock draft analysts who have forecasted Wiggins to be the Lions’ No. 29 overall pick.
Nate Wiggins’ Possible 2024 Draft Positions
In recent NFL drafts, there have been clear-cut picks at cornerback. That does not appear to be the case this year, however.
Not that the 2024 draft class lacks quality cornerback prospects. On January 30, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah listed five cornerbacks among his top 32.
However, with no clear top cornerback or top tier at the position this season, it’s difficult to forecast where any cornerback prospect will end up.
According to ESPN’s big board, Wiggins is the #1 cornerback and 11th overall prospect in the 2024 class. Pro Football Focus ranks Wiggins as the second-best cornerback and 13th overall.
With those ratings, it becomes doubtful that he will slip to the Lions at No. 29.
However, according to Bleacher Report’s draft rankings, Wiggins is ranked eighth among cornerbacks and 50th overall. Jeremiah ranks Wiggins sixth at cornerback and 30th overall.
Wiggins’ draft stock is controversial, so it will be intriguing to watch how he performs during offseason workouts. These performances could dramatically alter his draft position.
It might also influence if the Lions consider Wiggins as a draft target.
How Wiggins Might Fit With the Lions
While Detroit’s interest in Wiggins has not been determined, the Lions are a good fit for any cornerback in the first round of the NFL Draft.
In addition to ranking 27th in pass defense, the Lions finished the 2023 season 29th in net yards allowed per pass attempt. They also allowed 28 throwing touchdowns. Only five teams allowed more.
Landing Wiggins would also offer the Lions pace, which they lacked in their secondary last season.
“Wiggins is a tall and long cornerback with exceptional speed. Jeremiah wrote, “He is effective at press coverage.” “Overall, Wiggins is dripping with athleticism and physical traits, but he needs to be more invested in the run game.”
The Lions were determined to stop the run in 2023. They ranked fifth in running yards allowed and yards per carry. Additionally, no team allowed fewer running touchdowns.
One major problem with Detroit’s decision to choose Wiggins is that it may hurt the team’s defense. But with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn back, that’s definitely less of an issue.
Any potential the Lions target late in the first round will be a work in progress.
However, if it is a speedy cornerback who can contribute meaningfully to pass coverage, the Detroit defense will be taking a step in the right direction.
