Tag: James Wiggins

Cardinals protect 4 on practice squad for Week 5

They choose to protect three defensive backs and an offensive lineman.

The Arizona Cardinals have protected four players on their practice squad in Week 5. NFL teams are able to keep up to four players from being signed by other teams each week.

This week, according to Tuesday’s NFL transaction report, the Cardinals protected these four players:

  • CB Luq Barcoo
  • OT Eric Smith
  • CB Jace Whittaker
  • S James Wiggins

Barcoo was recently signed to the practice squad after he was released last Thursday. With injuries to Byron Murphy and Antonio Hamilton, he might get called to duty this week.

Smith was elevated from the practice squad last week and played a pair of offensive snaps against the Los Angeles Rams. If Justin Murray and Kelvin Beachum don’t come back from injury this week, Smith could be elevated again.

Whittaker gives them special teams help and depth in the slot. If Hamilton can’t play this week, he likely will be the player they call up for the game,.

Wiggins has been protected for the second week in a row. He was drafted in the seventh round this year by the Cardinals.

With tight end Darrell Daniels landing on the COVID list on Wednesday, expect to see tight end Ross Travis elevated this week. He was not protected so he potentially could get signed by another team before that happens.

[vertical-gallery id=457314]

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

Latest show:

Previous shows:

and

Cardinals protect 4 players on practice squad in Week 4, including rookie S James Wiggins

Among the four players the Cardinals protected, one of is safety James Wiggins, drafted in the seventh round this year.

The Arizona Cardinals have elected to protect four practice squad players in Week 4, according to the NFL transaction report on Tuesday. Not included on this list is recently added cornerback Quinton Dunbar.

His signing did not become official until Wednesday after the Cardinals made their selections.

The four players they are protecting this week, keeping other teams from being able to sign them, are the following:

  • S Chris Banjo
  • T Eric Smith
  • TE Ross Travis
  • S James Wiggins

Banjo has been elevated to the active roster each of the last two weeks and likely will be again this week when the Cardinals take on the Rams. He is a core special teams player, and his presence is more important with the loss of safety Charles Washington, who was placed on injured reserve.

Smith’s protection is surely related to the injury of Kelvin Beachum. His availability is in doubt with a rib injury that kept him out of the last game and a half.

Wiggins might be elevated to replace Washington. Washington is one of the Cardinals’ gunners on the punt team. Wiggins got work as a punt gunner in training camp and in the preseason.

He was one of the Cardinals’ draft picks this year, getting selected in the seventh round out of Cincinnati.

[vertical-gallery id=457013]

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

Latest show:

Previous shows:

and

Cardinals hurting at safety with recent injuries

The Cardinals entered Friday’s preseason game with three safeties. A fourth got hurt at the end of the game.

The Arizona Cardinals had a number of players who were not in the lineup at all in their second preseason game, a 17-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

They played their starters but for only a couple of series defensively, but safety Jalen Thompson continued playing after the starters left.

At first, it looked like it would be because he could use preseason reps. He didn’t get an offseason when he was selected in the supplemental draft in 2019 and last year no one had an offseason. Then, during the regular season, Thompson missed most of the year with a bad ankle.

However, upon asking Kliff Kingsbury after the game about Thompson’s playing time, while he indicated Thompson could use the work, his snap count had nothing to do with that. It was because they “were down three safeties.”

Chris Banjo, Deionte Thompson and rookie James Wiggins all did not play on Friday. Banjo suffered a hamstring injury in the preseason opener but Thompson’s and Wiggins’ injuries are not known.

A fourth safety, Shawn Williams, left the game late in the fourth quarter with an injury, forcing the Cardinals to use back-of-the-roster cornerback Picasso Nelson at safety to finish the game.

The Cardinals do need to make five more cuts by Tuesday, but if they only have three healthy safeties — Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson and Charkles Washington — we can expect to see them sign one or two at the start of next week.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

Latest show:

Previous shows:

and

 

Cardinals sign CB Marco Wilson, 2 7th-round draft picks

The Arizona Cardinals have three draft picks under contract. Four remain unsigned.

[mm-video type=video id=01f5hkq3vatjmhxh9q23 playlist_id=01eqbw7fa4ahbvdd03 player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01f5hkq3vatjmhxh9q23/01f5hkq3vatjmhxh9q23-a413f34a83176f7b15aefd4c90cd4079.jpg]

The Arizona Cardinals have signed three of their seven 2021 draft picks. The team announced that three Day 3 picks — cornerback Marco Wilson, safety James Wiggins and center Michal Menet.

Each signed a four-year contract.

Wiggins and Menet were the Cardinals’ two seventh-round selections. Wilson was selected in the fourth round.

Here are their bios from the team’s press release:

Wilson (6-0, 191) played 36 games (35 starts) during his career at Florida and had three interceptions, 20 passes defensed and 103 tackles. He started nine games last season for the Gators and had 33 tackles, four passes defensed and a fumble recovery while helping Florida to an appearance in the SEC Championship game. Wilson started 11 games as a true freshman in 2017 and had a team-high 10 passes defensed, becoming one of just four players in program history to start at cornerback as a freshman in a season-opener. A Fort Lauderdale, FL native, Wilson set career-highs in 2019 with 36 tackles and three interceptions after missing the 2018 season with a knee injury.

Wiggins (5-11, 209) was a second-team All-American, semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award and a first-team All-AAC selection in 2020 after collecting 32 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and one sack in nine games for Cincinnati. He returned to the field last season after missing all of the 2019 season with a knee injury. A Miami, FL native, Wiggins was a second-team All-AAC selection in 2018 after setting career-highs in tackles (54), interceptions (four) and passes defensed (nine). He finished his collegiate career with 87 tackles (61 solo), five interceptions, two forced fumbles, 16 passes defensed and one sack in 32 games (22 starts) with the Bearcats.

Menet (MEN-et) (6-4, 301) was a three-year starter at center and two-time team captain at Penn State who finished his college career by starting in each of the final 34 games he appeared in. As a senior in 2020, Menet was a third-team All-Big Ten selection after starting nine games at center, helping the Nittany Lions finish second in the Big Ten in total offense (430.3 ypg). A Birdsboro, PA native, Menet received honorable mention all-conference honors in 2019 and won the Dick Maginnis Memorial Award at the team’s most outstanding offensive lineman following that season. He finished his career at Penn State by playing in 46 games (34 starts).

With these three signed, four draft picks remain unsigned — first-round pick Zaven Collins, second-round pick Rondale Moore and sixth-round picks Tay Gowan and Victor Dimukeje.

[vertical-gallery id=451711]

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

Latest show:


Previous shows:


and


Current, former Cardinals safeties are models for new safety James Wiggins

Wiggins tries to play like Budda Baker, Tyrann Mathieu and Antrel Rolle.

[mm-video type=video id=01f4n5w7c6hey03a10h8 playlist_id=01eqbw7fa4ahbvdd03 player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01f4n5w7c6hey03a10h8/01f4n5w7c6hey03a10h8-23882f78efd8dfd85692781a9576d5b8.jpg]

The Arizona Cardinals have used a Day 3 draft pick on a safety for the fifth time since 2016. The latest is James Wiggins, selected last weekend in the seventh round out of Cincinnati.

He has yet to play a down in the NFL but it appears he has a little bit of Cardinal in him.

Over the years, he has tried to model a few notable Cardinals safeties from over the years.

“One player on the team is Budda Baker for his physicality at safety,” he told reporters after he was drafted by the Cardinals.

Baker, of course, will now be his teammate. He recently compared the opportunity to play alongside Baker to meeting and then working with a celebrity.

He also mentioned a pair of former Cardinals, one who is still in the league.

“The ‘Honey Badger’ (Tyrann Mathieu) because he’s a ball hawk,” Wiggins said. Mathieu was originally drafted by the Cardinals and played five years for Arizona. He is now on the Kansas City Chiefs. He has been an All-Pro the last two seasons.

His last former Cardinal he mentions goes back a while.

He mentioned Hall of Famer Ed Reed and also Antrel Rolle, “because he went to my high school.”

Rolle was a first-round pick of the Cardinals in 2005 as a cornerback but moved to safety and became a Pro Bowl player.

“Those are the players I try to mimic in my game and try to become a smarter player, to know and learn the system real fast, so I can have the opportunity to play.”

If he can be like any or all of them, the Cardinals will have landed a very nice player in the seventh round.

[vertical-gallery id=451385]

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

Latest show:


Previous shows:


and


7th-round pick James Wiggins knows he needs to be ‘a dog’ on special teams

“I know I want to be in the starting lineup, but to get to that point, you have to be a dog on special teams,” he said. 

The Arizona Cardinals selected safety James Wiggins with one of their two seventh-round draft picks. He has big aspirations. He also understands how to get there.

While at Cincinnati in college, he not only was very productive before his ACL tear in 2018, he also was a standout special teams player.

He considers being called a special teams player a compliment.

“Special teams is an important part of the game,” he told reporters Thursday.

He also knows that it is an essential step in his development, especially as a Day 3 draft pick.

“I know I want to be in the starting lineup, but to get to that point, you have to be a dog on special teams,” he said.

He doesn’t have to look far for a career to model himself after. It is the route Budda Baker took. Now an All-Pro safety with a big contract, Baker was a Pro Bowl special teamer as a rookie. He didn’t crack the lineup until Tyvon Branch got hurt.

Wiggins admittedly will have to try to avoid being star-struck when he meets Baker. “It’s kind of like you’re meeting a celebrity, but you’re also working with him at the same time,” he said.

He envisions playing on the field with Baker and creating a lot of confusion for opposing quarterbacks.

Wiggins has the right mindset. He knows he will have to stand out on special teams, especially with the group of players he is competing for a roster spot with. Chris Banjo, Charles Washington and Shawn Williams all are established special teams players in the NFL.

[vertical-gallery id=451431]

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

Latest show:


Previous shows:


and


Grading each draft pick for the Cardinals

We look at the Arizona Cardinals’ NFL draft class and give grades to each selection.

The Arizona Cardinals added seven players in the 2021 NFL draft. They landed five defensive players of the seven, adding only a receiver and a lineman on offense.

Defensively, they added a pair of cornerbacks, a safety, a linebacker and a pass rusher.

While it is technically too early to grade the picks for how they will actually perform on the field, we can evaluate the perceived talent, value and need for each player.

As such, below are grades for each of the Cardinals’ draft picks over the weekend.


5 safeties Chargers could consider in 2021 NFL draft

The Los Angeles Chargers are thin at the safety position.

Safety Rayshawn Jenkins showed his worth on the field and he was rewarded for it. However, it wasn’t by the Chargers. Instead, the Jaguars were the team who remunerated Jenkins.

Many, including myself, expected Los Angeles to re-sign Jenkins, with the expectation that he was going to form a tandem with Derwin James coming back next season.

L.A. might be banking on Nasir Adderley next season, but given the fact that head coach Brandon Staley likes to roll with three safeties on the field, the team could be looking to add another one.

With that being said, let’s take a look at five potential options in this year’s draft:

Ar’Darius Washington, TCU

Checking in at just 5-foot-8, 178 pounds, Washington is under the category that size doesn’t matter. He has the speed and range to thrive on the back end of the defense as well as the toughness and competitiveness.

Washington had five interceptions as a redshirt freshman in 2019 and ranked as one of the top safeties in the country, according to Pro Football Focus.In 2020, Washington started all 10 games and finished with 37 tackles, including one tackle for loss and five passes defensed.

At the next level, Washington projects as a free safety who can slide into the slot. His speed, toughness and ability to always be around the ball will allow him to be a contributor on special teams.

Andre Cisco, Syracuse

You want an absolute play-maker at the position? Cisco is that guy.

He totaled 13 interceptions and 14 passes defensed in just 24 career games. Lining up deep, in the box and in the slot, Cisco shows the physicality, range, instincts and ball skills for the position.

At the next level, he projects as a free safety, but he has the ability to line up all over the field. Cisco also has plenty of gunner and special teams experience, which is vital for the Bolts.

Damar Hamlin, Pittsburgh

Hamlin is a diverse, tough, smart, and well-rounded defensive back who shows great coverage ability and ball skills, as well as excellent tackling in space and traffic. The former basketball and track athlete displays his athleticism when closing on pass-catchers.

For the Chargers, Hamlin would be a versatile player who can be a part of a two-high safety set, used in the box or lined up in the slot across from tight ends. His play speed, tackling ability and competitive nature would serve him well on special teams, too.

He was recruited by defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill, who served as the Panthers’ secondary coach at the time. Therefore, the connection between Hamlin and Hill could bring the two together.

https://twitter.com/MattBowen41/status/1372289854818648070?s=20

Tyree Gillespie, Missouri

Like these other safeties, Gillespie possesses the versatility needed at the next level. Gillespie wore many hat in Tigers’ defense. He has experience in single-high, two high and in the box as well as in man coverage on tight ends.

Gillespie is a diverse, tough, smart and well rounded defensive back. In coverage, he is disciplined, showing great reactive athleticism to lock onto pass-catchers. He is a great tackler in space and traffic, taking good angles to the ball and shows very good straight-line speed.

With Los Angeles, Gillespie would project as a free safety with the ability to play in the slot. His speed and ability to chase down ballcarriers would serve him well on special teams.

James Wiggins, Cincinnati

After tearing his ACL in 2019, Wiggins wasn’t really able to bounce back in the way that he wanted after his season was cut short due to COVID-19. All in all, Wiggins finished his collegiate career with 87 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and five interceptions.

Another versatile safety, Wiggins has experience in single-high, two high as well as in the slot. A key defender for the Bears, he has the athleticism, explosiveness, and big-play ability, along with the hard-hitting nature, good ball skills and awareness.

If he stays healthy, Wiggins can be a key piece in the secondary, projecting as a free safety where he can use his speed on the back end. He also has versatility to line up and stay in phase in man coverage. His skillset is tailor made for special teams.

Bills meet virtually with Cincinnati DB James Wiggins (report)

2021 NFL Draft prospect James Wiggins has pre-draft meeting with Buffalo Bills.

The Bills and Sean McDermott love their versatility, even in the team’s coveted secondary. Reportedly the Bills had a pre-2021 NFL Draft virtual meeting with a guy that fits this description.

According to WGR-550 radio’s Sal Capaccio, Cincinnati defensive back James Wiggins has chatted with the Bills.

Due to a couple of injuries including an ACL issue causing him to miss the entire 2019 season, it remains to be seen what Wiggins’ draft stock is. He also suffered a separate knee injury in his career. However, the Bills could get a guy that might be able to do a lot on defense.

The Draft Network profiles Wiggins as a player who can play in the secondary, slot, or even a safety/ linebacker hybrid. TDN projects him as a project player that wouldn’t be an instant contributor.

Prior to injury, the six-foot, 205-pound defender also had a knack for ball-hawking. In 2018, he had four interceptions.

[lawrence-related id=79465,79283,79444,79446]

AAC Preview: 2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch and team predictions

Josh Keatley takes a dive into the win totals and top prospects for each AAC team in 2020

Despite the college football season being up in the air, a great gambler continues to study and evaluate. The AAC as a Group of 5 conference is even more up in the air, but we still need to examine the Vegas win totals and my expectations for each. I also highlight three prospects on each team that have the most intriguing NFL potential.

Cincinnati Bearcats: Vegas Win Total- 8.5

This team won 11 games last season and head coach, Luke Fickell has this team rolling and ready for another double digit win season. Fickell turned down Power-5 jobs and a big reason has to be that he believes this team can reach the next level after winning 11 games in back-to-back seasons. Nebraska, Memphis & UCF are not going to be fun games on the schedule, but they should be able to go 1-2 against that trio and still hit this over confidently. This already impressive defense returns ten starters and Fickell has taken the recruiting up a notch. Prediction: Over 8.5

Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Top Prospects:

James Wiggins, S, 6-0, 205 pounds, Sr.: Wiggins is the forgotten man as far as preseason draft hype goes, but the All-AAC selection checks a ton of boxes you look for in an early-round safety selection. His 2019 season was lost due to an injury, but he will remind scouts of his potential in 2020.

James Smith, P, 6-5, 232 pounds, Sr.: Smith had a disappointing 2019 season after his net punting average fell from 44.3 yards to 41 yards in 2019, but he is still one of the top punters in college football. The All-AAC selection will be looking to return to his Ray Guy Award finalist form.

Gerrid Doaks, RB, 6-0, 230 pounds, Sr.: It is crazy to think Doaks was actually slated to be the starter in 2018, but due to injuries and the emergence of Michael Warren II, Doaks was forced to take a backseat. Doaks is now 100% and will be a name to watch after gaining 526 yards and five touchdowns last season.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10, Page 11