It says a lot that Baltimore Ravens receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who will someday have a bust in Canton, Ohio, values his time against cornerback Nate Wiggins above all others.
Hopkins has been around the block and back, and even as his legendary NFL career begins to near its end, he’s still finding ways to make valuable impact. That has mostly been with the sort of impact he has on his fellow receivers in Baltimore, and he could also help quarterback Lamar Jackson bring his game to an even higher level.
But Hopkins is also making the defense better, and in the process, he sounds quite impressed with Wiggins, the Ravens’ second-year cornerback whom Baltimore drafted with its first-round pick a year ago.
Why DeAndre Hopkins Values Reps Against CB Nate Wiggins
“I like going against all (of the Ravens defensive backs), but I would say specifically Nate Wiggins,” Hopkins told reporters after a recent Ravens practice. “I think Nate is a young guy who loves competing. He wants to be great.”
That’s impressive praise for anyone coming from Hopkins, but it’s even more meaningful when you consider a Baltimore depth chart that features the likes of Jaire Alexander, Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzuzie at cornerback and even a franchise cornerstone like Kyle Hamilton at safety.
“I would say Nate just because him and I have never really got reps against each other, and he’s a young corner who wants to be great,” Hopkins added.
Wiggins Might Be NFL’s Next Great Cornerback
Granted, Hopkins might be a little biased. He and Wiggins both played their college ball at Clemson, but getting a chance to work out and be around Wiggins has given the former All-Pro wideout even more appreciation for the up-and-comer.
“Nate competes every day. He doesn’t complain, comes out and works. He has ever tool set that you look for in a lockdown corner,” Hopkins said.
Iron sharpens iron, and it goes both ways. Clearly, Hopkins benefits being tested by the young pup, but the old dog still has some tricks. Wiggins saw that firsthand at a recent Ravens practice while doing red zone work when Hopkins got the best of him down by the goal line.
“Nate was asking about covering him yesterday on that one low, red (zone) sideline play, and (asked) ‘What could I have done?’ head coach John Harbaugh recalled in a recent press conference with reporters. “(I said) ‘Honestly, Nate, there’s nothing you could have done better. That was a great throw and catch by probably arguably one of the best who’s ever done it.’”
The expectations for Wiggins entering Year 2 are understandably sky-high. He wasted no time showing off his first-round talent in his rookie season, playing 15 games for the Ravens in 2024, logging an interception, a forced fumble, a touchdown and 13 passes defended. He’s expected to take an even bigger step in his sophomore campaign, and his potential is one of the main reasons there’s belief the Ravens could have the NFL’s top secondary.
Having a chance to square off with Hall of Fame talent on a daily basis sure helps.
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