49ers mock NFL Draft 2021 using only small-school players

Round 5, Pick No. 157 Overall (via Vikings): 49ers select safety James Wiggins, Cincinnati

San Francisco doesn’t just need one defensive back in this year’s NFL Draft. After retaining veteran strong safety Jaquiski Tartt on a one-year deal, and in light of his lengthy injury history, it would be wise for the 49ers to infuse some youthful depth.

Potentially in an attempt to upgrade over the current backups for Tartt, Tarvarius Moore and Marcell Harris, who are both free agents in 2022 anyway.

To make sure he doesn’t slip through their grasps, the Niners send off pick Nos. 172 and 194 to the Minnesota Vikings for the No. 157 overall pick in order to grab Cincinnati safety James Wiggins.

The 6-foot-0 Wiggins is primarily a strong safety only, poised to thrive more closer to the box against opposing rushing attacks and slower pass catchers within 20 yards of the line of scrimmage.

Wiggins lacks top-end defensive back speed, but his coverage abilities are notably better than either Moore or Harris, and Wiggins’ five interceptions the last two years help suggest he can be something of a ballhawk at the next level, too.