Raising Zona
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Hits or Misses? Grading the 2021 Arizona Cardinals draft class

By Sion Fawkes

TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane celebrates after intercepting Noah Johnson #0 of the South Florida Bulls and running in a 38-yard touchdown during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium on October 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane celebrates after intercepting Noah Johnson #0 of the South Florida Bulls and running in a 38-yard touchdown during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium on October 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 26: James Wiggins #1 of the Cincinnati Bearcats converges on for the tackle of Jaylen Jacobs #32 of the Army Black Knights during the second half at Nippert Stadium on September 26, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 26: James Wiggins #1 of the Cincinnati Bearcats converges on for the tackle of Jaylen Jacobs #32 of the Army Black Knights during the second half at Nippert Stadium on September 26, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

James Wiggins, S/Cincinnati

Perhaps another steal for the Cardinals. Wiggins stole the show back in 2018 before an ACL tear sidelined him for 2019. He returned in 2020 and recorded 9 starts, but his production didn’t match his 2018 campaign, freefalling him to the 7th round.

A versatile player, Wiggins can play any assignment given to him and many labeled him as a jack-of-all-trades at the position. He flies all over the field, and has gained a reputation for playing the ball as opposed to the man in coverage.

If Wiggins returns to his 2018 form, he gives the Cardinals yet another young safety in the rotation, along with Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson. Given the injuries to both, Wiggins hitting the ground running at the NFL level will will provide a huge boost to the Cardinals.

Grade – A: Wiggins only has 9 starts over the past 2 seasons. His production waned in 2020 but he showed that he can be a marquee safety during his 2018 season. He was a solid selection at 243, given his immense potential.

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