It was a bittersweet day for Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins. Mere moments after posting a blazing 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine, something in his body went “pop.”
According to Yahoo’s Charles Robinson, Wiggins felt a “pop” in his groin after running a 4.29 in the 40-yard dash and had to be helped to the training room. He is done with all workouts and other events for the day.
“According to the NFL Network combine broadcast, #Clemson CB Nate Wiggins felt a groin “pop” and had to be helped to the training room after his 4.29 40-yard dash and is done for the day. Terrible news for a likely first round pick,” Robinson wrote on X.
Wiggins earned First-team All-ACC honors with the Tigers in 2023 and has been a rock-solid corner for the last two seasons. In 27 games he has 21 passes defended, three interceptions, two pick-sixes, two forced fumbles and 60 tackles.
Wiggins has received a first-round grade by many analysts and will be 21 years old when the season begins.
But a player suffering an injury like that in training could be scary to NFL general managers (rightly or wrongly).
Some are starting to wonder if Wiggins’ injury could result in an exodus of players from the Combine and future stars choosing not to attend the event for fear of injury.
“Might be GG’s for the combine depending on how significant this is,” one user wrote.
“Combine definitely on its last legs lmao 40 times so overrated anyways,” wrote another.
“And thus begins the college athlete opt out of the combine,” a third declared.
Will Wiggins’ injury lead to more players skipping the Combine?