I don't think Nate is a considerable drop-off from ASMVP CP3 in defense. Same super-high 97 Lat Quickness. CP3's edge is mainly in his +17 Steal and significant bumps in D IQ, especially Low Post.
Maybe biggest advantage is dealing with PG's that might post up, as Nate is really weak with 35 Strength (CP3 is +33 there).
But Nate has same Lat Quickness and is only -2 in Shot Contest.
What's interesting is his 96 Reaction Time (+18). Does this have ramifications when manually controlled, or only when CPU is controlling him on D?