By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: In recent years, Ohio State has been loaded with NFL talent at the wide receiver position. Chris Olave broke out for the program 2019 season, but Wilson flashed as well in his debut that season, recording 30 receptions for 432 yards and five touchdowns on the year. In the shortened 2020 season, Wilson took 43 receptions for 687 yards and six touchdowns. Wilson then dominated as a junior while also missing some time with injuries. He was C.J. Stroud’s No. 1 receiver, totaling 70 receptions for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns. After his tremendous 2021 season, Wilson decided to skip the Rose Bowl and his senior year to move on to the 2022 NFL Draft.
The first attribute that jumps out about Wilson is speed. He is a fast wideout who can break a game open. Beyond his fast first-step, Wilson has a second gear to accelerate down the field and stretch defenses over the top. He can blow by double coverage and score from anywhere on the field. His speed and athleticism allow him to consistently generate separation from defensive backs because he is very difficult to run with. Along with being a vertical threat, Wilson should be a good third-down weapon in the NFL given his ability to get open on short to intermediate routes.
Wilson is excellent after the catch. He is very elusive in the open field, possessing phenomenal feet to dodge tacklers, stop/start, and cut through the secondary. Wilson’s yards-after-the-catch skills in combination with his speed make him a major threat to turn a short reception into a long gain.
Wilson shows pretty good technique as a receiver too. He tracks the ball well and has late hands to reel in passes even with defenders close. While Wilson is not a pure size mismatch, he has good enough height and shows an ability to make contested catches over defensive backs. There are times when Wilson body catches when he could use his hands, but that is a minor issue overall. Wilson also has good feel and instincts, showing an ability to break off his routes to get open for his quarterback when plays break down.
For the NFL, Wilson could fit well as a X – split end – receiver who works along the sideline and challenges teams vertically. Wilson also is very dangerous on crossing routes and working the middle of the field, but given that he isn’t a big receiver, his pro team may want to limit him from doing too much work in the middle of the field.
Wilson should be a true No. 1 receiver in the NFL and could turn into a Pro Bowler. He is worthy of being a top-16 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Player Comparison: Odell Beckham Jr. Wilson’s overall style of play in terms of his speed, route-running, and yards-after-the-catch skills remind me of Beckham. Beckham went in the top half of the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Wilson could also be an early pick, likely early in the teens of Round 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
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