A pair of Iowa Hawkeyes lead the 2021 NFL Draft All-Underrated defensive team
By John Blair
Cornerback: Rodarius Williams, Oklahoma State
2021 NFL Draft Projection: Seventh round
A player who had a great college career but has questions about if he is athletic enough to play in the NFL is Rodarius Williams of Oklahoma State. In 2020, Williams didn’t allow a single touchdown pass to be thrown against him and also led the team in pass deflections with seven. Despite this production questions remain about him having the quickness and overall awareness to play in the NFL.
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Safety: Andre Cisco, Syracuse
2021 NFL Draft Projection: Fourth round
A team looking for a player who can create turnovers will love what they find in Andre Cisco of Syracuse. Cisco has been able to pick off 13 passes in just 24 games and also broke up another 14 passes over that time frame. He is aggressive vs the run as well and is not afraid to come up and make the tackle.
Safety: James Wiggins, Cincinnati
2021 NFL Draft Projection: Free agent
When looking at draft grades it is very surprising to see that James Wiggins was given a free agent grade by Pro Football Network. This comes as a surprise as Wiggins is one of the more athletic safeties in the 2021 NFL Draft class. At his pro day, he posted a 4.4 40-yard dash and 38-inch vertical jump. He has also produced on the field being named a 2020 All-American. His on-the-field production and strong testing numbers are part of the reason why I have him ranked as the sixth-best safety in the 2021 NFL Draft class, and give him a fourth-round grade.
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Cornerback: Olaijah Griffin, USC
2021 NFL Draft Projection: Fourth round
What has made Griffin stand out in the eyes of scouts is his ability to make a play on the ball. In 2019, he led the Trojans in pass breakups with nine and finished his career with a total of 15. While he is on the smaller side he is still willing to come up and help support the run.