Draft Analysis: Garrett Wilson

Height: 6’0″
Weight: 183 lbs
College: Ohio State
Tape watched: Michigan State, Penn State, Oregon, Minnesota, Purdue, Nebraska 2020
NFL Comparison: Santonio Holmes

Pros

Route Running
Garrett Wilson is a true headache to cover. He runs everything to look like a fade route, then snaps off with quick feet and great acceleration. He understands spacing at a high level, picking up defensive cues and finding open holes. He wastes no time or space at snapping down into a hitch or comeback. Wilson protects the sideline on deep throws as well. Active hands through his routes show excellent detail awareness from Garrett Wilson.

One of my favorite details in Wilson’s game is on display here. He slips under the linebacker, and instead of continuing to his route end, he gets back vertically to pull the linebacker around and he darts back underneath him.

Excellent throw-bye from Wilson.

Speed
The speed is real with Wilson, running a blazing 4.38s at the combine. The time lines up with his tape, as Wilson was able to run by a lot of speedy corners at OSU. He can reach top speeds quickly with his burst and acceleration.

Release
Wilson is sudden in his route releases. He has fast footwork, and uses his body and head to give false cues to defenders. He excels at using his arms and hands to fight off contact.

Versatility
You can find Garrett Wilson line up all across the field at Ohio State. He was comfortable inside the slot and on the perimeter at receiver. He was also used in the run game a decent amount.

Toughness
While Wilson will end up being one of the slighter receivers in the class, he makes up for it with his competitive edge and toughness. He took his fair share of big hits and concerning situations, and each time bounced up unscathed. He is fearless across the field and in the air.

Midline

RAC
There isn’t a ton of RAC on tape for Wilson, mostly because Wilson catches the ball so far downfield. Wilson generally goes down pretty easily with wrap-up tackles. With a smaller frame, it will be difficult to elude NFL level defenders. While he won’t break a lot of tackles, Garrett Wilson will break a lot of ankles. His footwork is fast and decisive. Wilson has great lateral agility and also offers sneaky-great contact balance when defenders opt for a bigger hit. However, if Wilson has the slightest of spaces, he can disappear to the endzone.

Cons

Size/Functional Strength
Always a concern with receivers that weigh in at just over 180lbs, Wilson will need to continue to be tough as nails.

Blocking
There isn’t much to write home about with Wilson’s blocking game. He opts to runoff corners instead of setting up and getting physical. He often times breaks down, sets up to block, then never initiates contact. When he does engage blocks, he opts for the outside of the shoulders and arms and can get very grabby. If he can work to fight his hands inside he has some upside with blocking.

You can see numerous grabs and holds on the outside of this cornerback. This became a theme with Wilson.

Overview

Garrett Wilson can offer NFL teams upside and solid production in his rookie year. With the level of detail and IQ with his route running, he should pickup NFL offenses rather quickly. His athleticism is more than enough to standout at the next level. He is a nightmare in man coverage, and splits safeties with ease in zone coverages. Wilson can be used from the slot or on the outside, furthering his value and argument for a first round pick.