The Buffalo Bills continue to do their homework on prospects as the 2021 NFL Draft gets closer by the day. According to Sal Capaccio, the Buffalo Bills have already had a virtual zoom meeting with Cincinnati safety prospect James Wiggins.
At 6 feet tall and about 205 pounds, Wiggins is a physical freak with adequate straight-line speed to match his physicality and tenacity in run support. Wiggins really only contributed to the Cincinnati Bearcats for two of his years in college because he tore his ACL and missed the entire 2019 season. However, it’s always a positive to see a player put his head down and do the work to rehab and get themselves back on the field. Despite being slightly less productive in 2020, Wiggins did just that and proved to scouts that he can be a viable defensive piece in the NFL.
Prior to his ACL injury, Wiggins had a very productive 2018 season with 54 total tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, and one forced fumble. Additionally, Wiggins provided value in coverage with 5 passes defended, 4 interceptions, and one interception returned for a touchdown in 2018. As mentioned before, Wiggins was slightly less productive in 2020 after returning from his ACL injury. This past season Wiggins played in 9 games and recorded 32 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 6 passes defended, and one interception.
As it currently stands, Wiggins is projected as a day three pick, most likely to be selected somewhere in the fifth round. Despite his seemingly limitless versatility, the recent ACL injury and subsequent dip in production may scare some scouts. However, the Buffalo Bills may be able to buy low on Wiggins and really find some value in a player that could cost a fifth round draft pick, but still be able to fill a role and contribute to the defense in year one.
Wiggins seems to translate to the next level best as a box safety, but his adequate ball skills and coverage production in college should highlight his versatility and attract multiple suitors in the draft. He could be a perfect fit for the Buffalo Bills to play in the big dime package as the slot corner opposite Taron Johnson. This would allow Wiggins to act as a pseudo linebacker in this big dime package with the ability to play downhill in the run game while maintaining the ability to play sound coverage on the back end.