Kiper NFL mock draft 4.0: Eagles take Clemson CB Nate Wiggins in 1st round
While the Philadelphia Eagles have the likes of Darius Slay and James Bradberry in their cornerback room in 2024, the franchise could use another addition or two to the room this offseason.
According to Mel Kiper’s latest mock released Wednesday, Philadelphia will look to the 2024 NFL Draft for at least one cornerback in Clemson’s Nate Wiggins at No. 22.
It’s no change from Kiper, who had the Eagles taking Wiggins in the first round of the his mock draft 3.0 back in March, he did have them taking UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu back in his February version, before free agency.
Philadelphia's defense fell apart at the end of last season, and top corners Darius Slay and James Bradberry are in their 30s. It's time to add an injection of youth in the secondary. Wiggins surrendered just one completion of 20-plus yards in 2023, and he has outstanding speed -- he ran 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the combine. The blend of cover skills and physical tools should make him an early contributor.
Slay is the unquestioned No. 1 option for Philadelphia, but the Eagles could look to have some insurance in the event Bradberry's play continues to slip.
Read More: Mel Kiper Eagles Mock Draft 2.0
Last season at Clemson, Wiggins gave up just one completion over 20 yards and was a First-team All-ACC selection after a season where he had a team-high nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one sack and two interceptions.
As it stands, in addition to Slay and Bradberry, the Eagles have Avonte Maddox, Zech McPhearson, Tyler Hall, Mario Goodrich, Tiawan Mullen, Kelee Ringo, Eli Ricks, Josh Jobe and Isaiah Rodgers currently under contract next season.
In Round 2 the Eagles own two picks, No. 50 and 53 and with the first one, Kiper sees them looking to add depth to the offensive line taking Houston left tackle Patrick Paul.
Philadelphia is another team that could benefit from this talented offensive tackle class. If it goes defense in Round 1, it might still be able to find a future OT starter here. Paul could serve as a swing tackle as a rookie, as Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson are entrenched as the starters. Johnson, however, has dealt with nagging injuries in recent years, so acquiring depth is important. Paul started 39 games at left tackle for the Cougars.
This one would seem to be a bit of a head scratcher, with the Eagles giving Jordan Mailata a new three-year, $66 million contract extension with $48 million in guaranteed money through 2028 and Lane Johnson still inked at least through the next two seasons.
Next at No. 53, Kiper has the Eagles adding Washington wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk.
That's right, a third Huskies wideout in the top two rounds. Polk is a big-play threat who averaged 17 yards per catch in his final two college seasons. He put up 1,159 receiving yards with nine scores in 2023, doing most of his damage on deep balls. I already address the Eagles' issues at cornerback and offensive tackle, which means they could add to their pass-catching corps with this selection.
Polk recorded 69 receptions for 1,159 yards, sixth-most yards in school history, playing in 15 games for the Huskies.
He could step in and compete with guys like Parris Campbell, DeVante Parker, and Britain Covey as the teams No. 3 wide out.
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