OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — One highlight says it all about Nate Wiggins — a chase-down tackle along the sideline against North Carolina last year in which the Clemson cornerback forced a fumble just before the goal line.
Wiggins is ready to bring that speed to the Baltimore Ravens next season after they took him with the 30th pick in the NFL draft Thursday night. Toward the end of a first round light on defensive selections, the Ravens had multiple talented defensive backs to choose from.
“In my opinion, the best cover corner in the draft. Highly athletic, fantastic feet," Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta said. “Really, in our opinion, a guy that can grow into being a true shutdown-type corner. Ecstatic that he fell to us.”
The Ravens came into the draft with a few needs. They have to replace three starters on the offensive line, and they can probably justify adding another pass catching threat. Depth in the secondary was also a concern.
After teams made a record 14 straight offensive picks at the beginning of the draft, it looked increasingly like some of the top defensive talent would still be available for Baltimore. By the time the Ravens picked, eight offensive linemen and five wide receivers — but just two cornerbacks — had been taken.
“We had to come out of the first round with, most likely, a corner or an offensive lineman if we could. You always hold your breath," DeCosta said. “As the draft started to unfold and we started to see all those offensive linemen come off the board, we thought there might be a chance. ... It was always, if Nate was there we were going to pick. If Nate wasn't there, there was another guy we liked, but we also were going to look at possibly trading out."
Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean was available, but the Ravens opted to go with the speedy Wiggins, who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.28 seconds at the NFL’s scouting combine in March. At 6-foot-1, 182 pounds, Wiggins faces no questions about his speed but a few about his ability as a run stopper.
“I feel like I'm the best man-on-man corner, I'm the best corner in the draft,” he said. “The tape speaks for itself.”
Baltimore fought through injuries in the secondary last season, when the Ravens posted the best record in the NFL during the regular season. This is the first time since 2017 that Baltimore took a cornerback in the first round. The Ravens picked Marlon Humphrey that year, and he's still with the team.
“I'd say we've got three legitimate starting corners,” coach John Harbaugh said. “(Wiggins has) got to come in and prove it and do it and all that, but we expect him to do it.”
The Ravens have eight more picks in the draft, including one in both the second and third rounds. DeCosta said he still sees a lot of players who can help on the offensive line.
He said he wasn't surprised by the run of offensive players early — which included six quarterbacks taken in the first 12 picks. That was presumably fine with Baltimore, which has two-time MVP Lamar Jackson at that position.
“It's just stacked on the offensive side this year at some positions," DeCosta said. "We knew the quarterbacks were going to be picked high, and we had a strong inclination that offensive linemen were going to go, too.”
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FILE - Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) returns an interception for a touchdown against Florida Atlantic in an NCAA college football game Sept. 16, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. The Baltimore Ravens selected Wiggins in the NFL draft Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)
ITBAYAT, Philippines (AP) — U.S. Marines and their Filipino counterparts darted out of Black Hawk helicopters during combat drills Monday in the Philippines’ northernmost island town along the strategic Bashi Channel off southern Taiwan — a flashpoint in the military rivalry between Washington and Beijing.
The show of allied battle readiness in Itbayat in Batanes province is part of annual military exercises that started last month, dubbed Balikatan, Tagalog for “shoulder-to-shoulder,” and involving more than 16,000 American and Philippine military personnel.
This year's exercises by the longtime treaty allies — the largest yet — are meant to deter possible aggression. They come against the backdrop of China’s increasingly assertive actions in the disputed South China Sea, where Chinese and Philippine coast guards and accompanying ships have had several increasingly tense faceoffs since last year.
More than 250 French and Australian forces are also participating, along with observers from several allied and security partner nations, led by Japan and European nations. The drills, which began April 22, end later this week.
In Monday's mock battle scenario, American and Filipino forces took positions at the airfield, ringed by low-lying hills, as three Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters landed to deliver combat supplies.
Marine 1st Lt. Annie Pentaleri said aerial combat reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance drills were also planned in the far-flung region. The Associated Press was among a small group of journalists invited to attend the maneuvers.
"We are absolutely battle-ready and that’s what we train for day in and day out,” Marine Maj. Robert Patterson said. “It’s important to enhance inter-operability with our Filipino counterparts.”
Washington and Manila say the drills are not directed at any country and are crucial for improving the response to emergencies in the Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries.
However, this year's drills focus on territorial defense and are being staged mainly in two of the most sensitive fault lines in the regional rivalry between China and the United States: the disputed South China Sea and the Bashi Channel.
The critical waterway between Taiwan and the Philippines, an important trade conduit laden with international undersea cables, has been closely watched and guarded by Chinese and American forces. China considers Taiwant a part of its territory, to be annexed by force if necessary.
In a telephone call last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed to President Joe Biden that Beijing will not tolerate separatist activities by Taiwan’s independence forces, as well as “exterior indulgence and support,” an apparent reference to Washington’s support for the island.
Biden raised concerns about China’s actions in the South China Sea, including efforts to impede the Philippines, which Washington is treaty-obligated to defend, from resupplying its forces on the fiercely disputed Second Thomas Shoal.
Derek Grossman, a senior defense analyst at RAND Corporation, said the message of deterrence was important. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to allow U.S. forces indefinitely access to two Philippine air force and naval bases in Cagayan province near Batanes under a 2014 defense pact, “would likely upgrade the U.S. military’s ability to intervene in a Taiwan contingency in a more timely manner," he said.
"Right now, a big concern is the U.S. simply won’t get there in time,” Grossman added.
The Balikatan exercises have included live-fire drills in the disputed South China Sea during joint naval sails by the U.S., France and the Philippines. An aircraft also dropped food and other supplies on a disputed island occupied by Filipino forces as part of the maneuvers in the disputed waters.
Separately on Monday, U.S. and Philippine forces practiced repelling invading forces in the coastal province of Ilocos Norte by firing missiles and artillery rounds on floating targets at sea. The northwestern province faces the South China Sea.
“It was a huge success, the weapons were spot on,” Marine Lt. Gen. Michael Cederholm said.
In escalating high-seas encounters in disputed areas, Chinese coast guard vessels have resorted to water cannons, blocking and other dangerous maneuvers that have left Philippine navy personnel injured and supply boats damaged. The Biden administration has repeatedly warned the U.S. is obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, should it come under attack.
China has strongly criticized the exercises, saying the Philippines and countries outside Asia are joining forces against Beijing, warned that the drills could lead to confrontation and undermine regional stability.
Ahead of the drills, China specifically opposed the transport of a U.S. ground-launched missile system to the northern Philippines. No missile was to be fired as the goal was only to familiarize military participants with the hi-tech weaponry in a tropical setting.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed China’s grave concern over the deployment of the missile system “at China’s doorstep."
Dust envelopes U.S. and Philippine marines as a U.S. military helicopter takes off at the Paredes Air Station at Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte province as it carries US and Philippine troops during a joint military exercise in northern Philippines on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied military readiness in the Philippines' northernmost town facing southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
U.S. marines secure an area at the airport of the Philippines' northernmost town of Itbayat, Batanes province during a joint military exercise on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied military readiness in the Philippines' northernmost town facing southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
U.S. marines secure an area at the airport of the Philippines' northernmost town of Itbayat, Batanes province during a joint military exercise on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied military readiness in the Philippines' northernmost town facing southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
U.S. and Philippine marines wait at the airport of the Philippines' northernmost town of Itbayat, Batanes province during a joint military exercise on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied military readiness in the Philippines' northernmost town facing southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
U.S. marines secure an area at the airport of the Philippines' northernmost town of Itbayat, Batanes province during a joint military exercise on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied military readiness in the Philippines' northernmost town facing southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
A U.S. marine drinks as he waits under the scorching sun at the airport of the Philippines' northernmost town of Itbayat, Batanes province during a joint military exercise on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied military readiness in the Philippines' northernmost town facing southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
U.S. and Philippine troops ride a U.S. CH-47 helicopter at the Philippines' northernmost town of Itbayat, Batanes province during a joint military exercise on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied military readiness in the Philippines' northernmost town facing southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
U.S. troopers prepare to board a U.S. Army CH-47s at Paredes Air Station at Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte province as it carries U.S. and Philippine troops during a joint military exercise in northern Philippines on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied military readiness in the Philippines' northernmost town facing southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Philippine marines carry equipment beside U.S. marines at Paredes Air Station at Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte province during a joint military exercise in northern Philippines on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied military readiness in the Philippines' northernmost town facing southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
U.S. troopers gather at the airport at the Philippines' northernmost town of Itbayat, Batanes province during a joint military exercise on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied military readiness in the Philippines' northernmost town facing southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
U.S. troops takes cover from dust as a U.S .Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter prepares to land at Paredes Air Station at Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte province, during a joint military exercise in northern Philippines on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied military readiness in the Philippines' northernmost town facing southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
U.S. trooper prepares their U.S. Army CH-47 at Paredes Air Station at Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte province during a joint military exercise in northern Philippines on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied military readiness in the Philippines' northernmost town facing southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
U.S. and Philippine troopers prepare to board U.S. Army CH-47s at Paredes Air Station at Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte province during a joint military exercise in northern Philippines on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied military readiness in the Philippines' northernmost town facing southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
U.S. troopers prepare to board U.S. Army CH-47s at Paredes Air Station at Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte province as it carries U.S. and Philippine troops during a joint military exercise in northern Philippines on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied military readiness in the Philippines' northernmost town facing southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
A U.S. trooper checks his rifle as they land at the Philippines' northernmost town of Itbayat, Batanes province during a joint military exercise on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied battle readiness in the Philippines' northernmost island town of Itbayat along the strategic Bashi Channel off southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
A U.S. Army CH-47 flies over Ilocos Norte province during a joint military exercise in northern Philippines on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied battle readiness in the Philippines' northernmost island town of Itbayat along the strategic Bashi Channel off southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
U.S. Army CH-47s takes off at Paredes Air Station at Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte province as it carries the U.S. and Philippine troops during a joint military exercise in northern Philippines on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied battle readiness in the Philippines' northernmost island town of Itbayat along the strategic Bashi Channel off southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
U.S. and Philippine troopers prepare to board a U.S. Army CH-47 helicopter at the airport at the Philippines' northernmost town of Itbayat, Batanes province during a joint military exercise on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied battle readiness in the Philippines' northernmost island town of Itbayat along the strategic Bashi Channel off southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
U.S. troopers secure an airport at the Philippines' northernmost town of Itbayat, Batanes province during a joint military exercise on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied battle readiness in the Philippines' northernmost island town of Itbayat along the strategic Bashi Channel off southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
U.S. Army UH-60 helicopters take off after securing the airport at the Philippines' northernmost town of Itbayat, Batanes province during a joint military exercise on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied battle readiness in the Philippines' northernmost island town of Itbayat along the strategic Bashi Channel off southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
U.S. troopers alight from a U.S. Army CH-47 carrying American and Philippine troops as it lands at the Philippines' northernmost town of Itbayat, Batanes province during a joint military exercise on Monday, May 6, 2024. American and Filipino marines held annual combat-readiness exercises called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, in a show of allied battle readiness in the Philippines' northernmost island town of Itbayat along the strategic Bashi Channel off southern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
