2021 NFL Draft: 3 Big Ten prospects the New Orleans Saints should target

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes throws a pass during the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Tigers defeated the Buckeyes 29-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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Shaun Wade

Ohio State’s Shaun Wade was not going to be a Day 1 pick. He just wasn’t a first round-quality cornerback last season. Playing behind Damon Arnette and Jeff Okudah, Wade was oftentimes targeted.

The second-best cornerback prospect in the Class of 2017, Wade has patiently waited for his spot in the limelight at OSU. Sadly, he won’t get that as he was likely to go from the third-string corner to the team’s high-profile lockdown one.

In a recent mock draft by 247Sports, Wade goes No. 16 overall to the Cleveland Browns. This would be a good spot for Wade who could slip down to the later first round, the New Orleans Saints’ territory.

Last season Wade played in 11 games, recording 17 tackles and two sacks. The quick 6-foot-1 corner just wasn’t given much opportunity to shine. In all likelihood, he’ll be a top-three cornerback in the 2021 draft though.

With Marshon Lattimore’s fifth-year option ending in 2021, the Saints may look to bolster that unit in case he requests a huge extension and forces the Saints hand. It’s not too likely but certainly possible that 2021 is Lattimore’s last season in the Big Easy.

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