2024 NFL Combine observations from day two: Clemson CB Nate Wiggins runs fastest 40-yard dash, but injures hip
Posted March 1, 2024 11:10 p.m. EST
Updated March 4, 2024 5:18 p.m. EST
Indianapolis — Friday saw cornerbacks, safeties and tight ends participate in drills at the 2024 NFL Combine.
Here are some observations from day two at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis:
Nate Wiggins runs 4.28-second, 40-yard dash
As of Friday, Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins ran the fastest 40-yard dash time among anyone at the 2024 NFL Combine with an official time of 4.28 seconds. It was slightly faster than the initial, unofficial time of 4.29 seconds.
Wiggins’ run drew cheers from the crowd Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
However, Wiggins appeared to injure his hip at some point. He did not run a second 40-yard dash and did not participate in the remaining defensive back drills. The NFL Network’s Stacey Dales said Wiggins expects to be ok for Clemson’s pro day on April 6.
As an NFL player, Wiggins will need to add some weight considering he was measured at 6’1”, 173 pounds.
On Friday, Wiggins also posted a 36-inch vertical and 10-foot, 7-inch vertical leap.
North Carolina fans are familiar with Wiggins’ speed from when he ran down Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton after a 64-yard run to prevent a touchdown. The forced fumble was a crucial play in Clemson’s 31-20 win over North Carolina on Nov. 18, 2023.
Wiggins had a similar play on Oct. 21, 2023, against Miami where he chased down an offensive player on Miami to prevent a touchdown and force a fumble.
Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell posts 4.33-second, 40-yard dash
Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell posted the second-fastest time among combine participants through Friday at 4.33 seconds.
Mitchell is listed 6’0”, 195 pounds. He also had a 38-inch vertical and a 10-foot, 2-inch broad jump.
On Friday, Mitchell moved well, but had a few drops in the defensive back drills. He should be among the top two or three cornerbacks selected in April.
Other standout cornerback performances, two promising players sidelined with injuries
Friday’s 40-yard dashes were a delight to watch.
Eight cornerbacks ran sub 4.4-second in the 40-yard dash on Friday: Wiggins, Mitchell, Mississippi State’s Richardson (4.34), Auburn’s Nehmiah Pritchett (4.36), Florida State’s Jarrian Jones (4.38), Penn State’s Daequan Hardy (4.38), Mississippi’s Deantre Prince (4.38) and Rutgers’ Max Melton (4.39).
Melton also posted a 40.5-inch vertical and a broad jump of 11 feet, 4 inches.
Jones posted a 39.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot, 9-inch broad jump.
Also, Iowa’s Cooper DeJean is still working his way back after fracturing his fibula. While doctors medically cleared DeJean, he opted not to participate in drills at Friday’s combine.
Plus, Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry did not participate Friday because doctors found he had a Jones fracture in his right foot, the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported.
Standout safeties
Utah safety Cole Bishop posted a 39-inch vertical and ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash. Heh helped his draft status on Friday.
Texas Tech safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson also posted impressive numbers with a 4.41-second 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical leap. Taylor-Demerson’s 40-yard dash was the fastest among safeties.
Georgia’s Javon Bullard ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash and USC’s Calen Bullock ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash. Both players are projected to be day two picks (second or third round).
Devin Culp leads tight ends, running a 4.47-second 40-yard dash
Washington tight end Devin Culp — who is listed at 6’3”, 231 pounds — ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash. He’ll need the speed considering he is smaller for the tight end position.
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson ran the second-best 40-yard dahs among tight ends at 4.57 seconds. Johnson also has a 39.5-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot, 5-inch broad jump.
Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott ran an ok 40-yard dash at 4.68 seconds. However, he was explosive in his jumps, posting a 40-inch vertical and 10-foot, 6-inch broad jump. Sinnott is listed at 6’4”, 250 pounds.
What’s ahead on Saturday at the NFL Combine
Quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs are scheduled to work out Saturday.
While North Carolina Drake Maye will not throw on Saturday, he has participated in the interview process for the NFL Combine.
Tar Heels wide receiver Tez Walker is expected to be a full participant in drills on Friday.
The NFL Network’s coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET.
