2021 NFL Draft: 4 Potential late-round steals at safety

James Wiggins, Cincinnati

James Wiggins would likely not be available on day three of the 2021 NFL draft if it weren’t for a major injury concern. Wiggins missed the entire 2019 season with a torn ACL.

The redshirt senior rebounded nicely in his senior season, showing that he hasn’t really lost a step due to the injury. He appeared in nine games for the Bearcats accounting for 32 tackles and the first (and only) sack of his college career. He leaves Cincinnati with 87 tackles, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles across 23 games.

Wiggins also has the coveted “clutch gene” as four of those interceptions sealed victories. The biggest moment of Wiggins’ career was an overtime pick-six that came against SMU in 2018.

At 6-foot, 205, Wiggins already has the size scouts look for at the next level. He isn’t the fastest guy on the board, but he does have an explosiveness about him that keeps him in just about every play.

Again, the injury concern is there. But don’t be shocked if Wiggins ends up as a day two pick. If he falls to day three, it’ll be because of the ACL tear.

And if he does fall, someone will be getting one of the steals of the draft.