Both the Baltimore Ravens and several pundits believe they landed the best “pure cover cornerback” in the 2024 draft when Clemson’s Nate Wiggins fell into their lap at No. 30 overall. The talented rookie has had his elite coverage skills put to the test the past couple of weeks since the team took the field for Organized Team Activities (OTAs). He got his first chance to go up against the veteran and other returning young wide receivers.
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Thus far, he’s been thoroughly impressed with what he’s seen. Wiggins offered some high praise for some of the top players at the position who the Ravens will be counting on in 2024. When asked who has been the hardest wideout to cover, he named fourth-year pro Rashod Bateman.
“[It would] probably [be Rashod] Bateman,” Wiggins said. “He’s just shifty [and] has a lot of quickness in the route.”
Bateman is slated to have a much larger role in the offense now that he is almost two years removed from the foot injury that cut his 2022 campaign short after six games. Despite only recording 32 receptions for 367 receiving yards and one touchdown in 2023, the team awarded him with a two-year extension this offseason. That was a sign of their continued belief that he is capable of realizing his tantalizing potential.
Wiggins isn’t the only Ravens player who sang the former first-rounder’s praises this week. On Tuesday, three-time Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews told reporters that he believes Bateman is on his way to establishing himself as one of the upper-echelon wideouts in the league.
“I think it’s happening right now,” Andrews said. “I think he looks incredible. Everything – his route running, catching the ball, being where he’s supposed to be – he has it down to a science,” Andrews said. “I know he’s worked really hard, but he looks about as put together as he’s ever been. So, it’s going to be a big year for Rashod Bateman. I’m calling it now.”
When asked who has been the most fun to line up against among the Ravens wideouts, Wiggins quickly replied “Zay Flowers” and cited their history going up against each other in college when his Tigers went up against the Boston College in the ACC.
“[It’s] just because we met up in college, so we both know how,” Wiggins said. “We know we’re both fast, so it’s just fun to compete.”
Even though Wiggins was the Ravens’ top overall pick in this year’s draft, he isn’t the rookie who has garnered the most fanfare and attention among the national media. That distinction belongs to fourth-round wider receiver Devontez Walker, who Wiggins has enjoyed going up against in practice since they both reported to rookie minicamp.
“It’s been fun,” Wiggins said. We’re both getting better every day. So, yes, it’s been fun.”
The two rookies also have a history of going against each other dating back to their collegiate careers playing in the ACC. In fact, Walker was the only receiver who recorded a reception of 20+ yards against Wiggins in his final season in college.
It came on November 18 in 2023, when Clemson squared off with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While Wiggins lost that the rep, he was the one who shut the door on any chances the Tar Heels had of coming back late in the fourth quarter. Wiggins intercepted a pass intended for Walker to ice the 31-20 victory.
