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By Charlie Campbell
2023 Season Outlook: Wilson will see some secondaries that have quality talent during the 2023 season. The season opener versus LSU will be a good test, as well games against Clemson Sept. 23 -, Miami – Nov. 11 -, and Florida – Nov. 25.
Skill-Set Summary: Pro teams are always looking out for receiving mismatch weapons, and Wilson is a unique receiver. He offers a size mismatch that includes a giant wing span and catch radius that make him never completely covered, as he will routinely makes catches over defenders.
Wilson’s height and length translate into a huge catch radius, so he can make receptions over cornerbacks even when they have blanket coverage – see 2022 Florida game. Wilson highpoints the ball naturally, using strong, late hands to secure the catch and hold on while defenders try to slap the ball out. With impressive body control, Wilson is adept at hanging in the air and staying in bounds, and he is very skilled at working the sideline. Wilson uses his 240 pounds well to get position, and he has some developed strength to go along with his height.
With his size, length, strength, and body control, Wilson is a dynamic red-zone player who is coverage problem for defense. Wilson is a ‘four-point play’ asset, as he can catch fades, cross, and jump balls in the end zone despite the defense doing everything correctly. Wilson has the potential to be one of the top red-zone receivers in the NFL during his career. As well, his quarterback will have an excellent security blanket to throw it up to when they get into trouble with a pass-rush bearing down on them. Wilson is going to provide an excellent safety valve.
Wilson shows a nice burst to get upfield on wide receiver screens, and he uses his imposing size and strength to run through tacklers. While Wilson is not an elusive runner who will juke defenders, he does well to pick up yards after the catch and has the strength to break tackles. In the open field, Wilson can and will get caught from behind by defensive backs.
The questions with all big receivers is how well they run and if they are too stiff to run routes at the NFL level. Wilson is not horribly stiff and looks pretty loose for his size. He is not going to create huge separation from pro cornerbacks, as they will be able to run the route and stay with him generally. Wilson does a nice job of getting open and finding soft spots in zone, and as stated above, makes catches over defenders even while he is covered. Wilson runs well enough for his size, but he is not a burner who possesses the speed to roast defensive backs at the next level.
Some NFL teams might consider moving Wilson to tight end due to his height and weight. That could be an option if he can take to blocking adequately enough for the pro game.
Wilson’s style of play is reminiscent of a taller Mike Evans. Wilson is probably not quite as quick and does not have as much twitch as Evans, but they are similar giant receivers with enough quickness and movement skills. Wilson has the potential to become a pro starter and mismatch receiver.
2024 NFL Draft Expectations: Entering the 2023 season, Wilson looks like a potential early-round prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft.
RELATED LINKS:
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2024 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2024 NFL Draft Player Previews
Fantasy Football Rankings - Aug. 9
2024 NFL Mock Draft - July 25
NFL Power Rankings - June 2
NFL Picks - Feb. 14
