The Baltimore Ravens have consistently selected cornerbacks in the first round of the draft. The team’s talent, which ranges from Jimmy Smith and Marlon Humphrey to Duane Starks and Chris McAlister of the late 1990s, has helped them win two Super Bowl titles. Individual awards have also been given to the players—two First Team All-Pro selections and six Pro Bowls. General Manager Eric DeCosta discussed the factors that have contributed to those players’ success as well as what scouts look for in consistently productive first-round cornerbacks.
Corners need characteristics, in my opinion. They must possess some outrageous qualities. Marlon was just a big, strong guy who could run quickly, that’s all. A physically strong and somewhat rigid competitor. Jimmy was naturally athletic, had freakish size, and was proficient at running and covering ground. Chris
What, then, distinguishes Wiggins? What qualities did he have that caused DeCosta to pass up eight trade opportunities to select the Clemson cornerback with the No. 30 pick? DeCosta claims it to be his “superpower.”
“Nate just has amazing feet, speed, and cover ability in my opinion. According to DeCosta, “guys don’t get open against him.” “It’s crucial that he can cover without hesitation. His trait, his superpower, is that he leaves very little room when he covers a man. He can close and recover, anticipate situations well, and handle the ball well. You want a guy who can do it all, I believe. You’re looking for a guy who can do it all fairly well. However, when discussing a first-round corner, qualities that will put them
