Eagles Expected to Sign a 3-INT Cornerback with "Exceptional Quickness"

Despite an offseason makeover, the Philadelphia Eagles defense’s most obvious weakness is still cornerback.

Howie Roseman, general manager, has brought back veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson after one season with the Detroit Lions, signed veteran linebackers Devin White and Zack Baun, and invested heavily in developing pass-rusher Bryce Huff. These moves have significantly improved the talent along the front seven.

But following a dreadful final seven weeks of the 2023 season, in which experienced cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry struggled, Roseman and the Eagles may decide to add rising young talent to the cornerback position in the NFL Draft.

Mel Kiper Jr., an NFL Draft analyst for ESPN, predicts that the Eagles, under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, will select cornerback Nate Wiggins in the first round.

According to Kiper, “Philadelphia’s defense fell apart at the end of last season.” Furthermore, Darius Slay and James Bradberry, the best corners, are in their 30s. It’s time to give the secondary a youthful boost. Wiggins has exceptional speed; in the combine, he recorded a 40-yard dash in 4.28 seconds. In 2023, he gave up just one pass of 20 yards or more. His combination of physical tools and covert skills should enable him to contribute right away.

The Eagles have committed to playing Bradberry until the 2024 season because his release after June 1st will result in a dead money charge of $4.305 million for 2024 and $10.81 million for 2025.

Wiggins, though, might advance behind the scenes in 2024 or be ready to take Bradberry’s job should the veteran suffer just as much as he did in 2023.

Nate Wiggins NFL Draft Scouting Report

Wiggins, who stood 6-foot-2 and weighed 185 pounds, became known as a genuine ballhawk while playing for Clemson.

Over the course of three collegiate seasons, Wiggins broke up nine passes, produced 60 total tackles, and intercepted three passes, returning two of them for touchdowns. He also set a record for the fastest 40-yard dash speed among cornerbacks at the NFL Combine.
A National NFC player said of Wiggins, “He has better physical talent than Devon Witherspoon,” according to NFL.com. However, he lacks that same degree of dog in him. As of right now, that’s most likely the largest difference. However, I believe Wiggins to be the superior candidate.

Pro Football Focus notes that the opposition quarterbacks battled immensely to find success when they targeted Wiggins, only managing a 44.4 passer rating on such throws. According to PFF, Wiggins had seven forced incompletions in the 2023 campaign, and the source gave him an outstanding 83.9 coverage rating.