Ravens GM Eric DeCosta reveals Clemson's Dabo Swinney urged team owner to pick Nate Wiggins in NFL Draft 2024

The Baltimore Ravens selected Nate Wiggins from the Clemson Tigers with the 30th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. This represented their first pick of this year's draft and it came so late due to last season's success. They made it all the way to the AFC conference championship game, so they are looking to build on a strong campaign.

General Manager Eric DeCosta reportedly called Nate Wiggins directly, prior to picking him, to ask how he would feel about going to Baltimore. The highly-rated cornerback prospect expressed his excitement before DeCosta explained that his college football head coach Dabo Swinney gave him a raving recommendation.

Wiggins was recorded telling DeCosta that he was the best cornerback in the draft on the phone call. The GM agreed with him, partially based on Dabo Swinney's opinion.

Here's how DeCosta responded to drafting the self-proclaimed "best one" this year:

"Listen, we feel that. We feel the same way. We got the best corner in the draft, we feel that way too. Your coach Swinney's a good friend with our owner and we've gotten great information about you. You're going to be a great Raven, so congratulations."

Apparently, Stephen Biscotti, the Ravens' majority owner, has developed a close friendship with Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney. The information he received about Nate Wiggins is allegedly what convinced the franchise to select him.

They did so rather than going with some of the other top options at the position that were still available, including Kool-Aid Mckinstry and Cooper DeJean. They must have trusted Swinney's judgment, as they also passed on addressing some of their other, and potentially more pressing, needs in the draft.

What next for Ravens in the 2024 NFL Draft?

Nate Wiggins

The Baltimore Ravens have one of the best overall rosters in the entire NFL, but they did lose some of their major contributors from last year during the offseason.

This includes Patrick Queen, Jadeveon Clowney, and Odell Beckham Jr. They still have Roquan Smith at linebacker, but edge rusher and wide receiver appear to be among their biggest needs in the 2024 NFL draft.

The franchise also lost three of their five starting offensive linemen during the offseason, so rebuilding should be one of their top priorities. They are one of the most run-heavy offensive schemes in the entire NFL, so to have success, they will likely need to continue featuring a solid offensive line.