Nate Wiggins Predicted to Lead League in Interceptions
As noted in Late for Work last week, an analytics model projected cornerback Jaire Alexander to lead the league in interceptions this season. Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano is predicting a different Raven to snag the interception crown: Nate Wiggins.
“My boldest prediction, but this secondary has vastly improved from last season with the additions of Jaire Alexander and Malaki Starks,” Manzano wrote. “Throw in the possibility of opposing teams needing to stay aggressive to keep pace with Lamar Jackson & Co., and there will be plenty of opportunities for this secondary to create takeaways.
“Teams may stay away from Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton, now the highest-paid safety in the NFL, leaving Wiggins, the 2024 first-round pick, to fend for himself often in his second season. Ravens beat reporters have dubbed him the most likely player to have a breakout season in Baltimore. Wiggins had an up-and-down rookie year with only one interception, but many have taken notice of his improvements.”
Wiggins said a few weeks ago that he’s focused on more interceptions, and said his goal is double-digit takeaways.
“This year is about getting takeaways. That’s the big thing I want to work on,” Wiggins said. “I know I dropped plenty last year, so this year, it’s just about catching it, because the ball is going to come. So, this year, we’ve just got to catch it.”