“Really Hurt Me” Nate Wiggins Disheartened After Falling Short of Xavier Worthy’s Record

When Nate Wiggins committed to Clemson in 2021, his path to the NFL seemed quite clear. The rangy cornerback was a two-year starter for the team and was well-known for his tight coverage and lightning-fast speed. His impressive skills made him a top CB prospect in the upcoming NFL draft, but his heart still carries a sting of disappointment from his recent NFL Combine performance.

Fans and teammates expected Wiggins to shine in the 2024 Combine. But the real surprise came when the underrated Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy stunned everyone with a record-breaking 4.21 40-yard dash. His time was the fastest among receivers and out of all 220 draft prospects this year. After a month, Nate Wiggins has spoken out about his disappointment with his Combine performance. 

Nate Wiggins is devastated by 40 time

Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins took over the NFL Combine with a blazing 4.28-second 40-yard dash. Sadly, an injury ended his performance early, leaving Wiggins and his teammates disappointed. In a recent interview, Wiggins reflected on that moment, expressing frustration with his run time. “I gotta get like 4.2, 4.25, 4.24. I don’t even think about no 4.28,“ he said. His jet speed was quite evident, but he was still frustrated with the record he set. “I ain’t going to lie… really hurt me when I ran it,“ he said. 

A 4.28 40-yard dash is still a great result for a cornerback. Moreover, Wiggins has the athletic skills to succeed in the NFL, even without the fastest Combine time. His records and stats show he has the potential to be a top draft pick.

The cornerback’s bright draft future

Nate Wiggins enters the NFL draft as one of the top five cornerback prospects. Though he couldn’t prove his elite speed at the Combine, his play-instinct and coverage skills still make him a valuable asset in the defense. Last year alone, he proved his worth with a sack, two interceptions, and six pass breakups. Such impressive stats could make him a late first-round pick in the 2024 draft. 

Wiggins’ performance against Florida State grabbed more of the spotlight as it showcased his ability to compete against top receivers like Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman. Also, his instincts and ability to read both receivers and quarterbacks became quite evident after the game. Thus, teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions reportedly show interest in this CB. While his exact landing spot is still a mystery, Wiggins’ potential points toward a long and successful NFL career.