After a breakout 2021 season, Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson is entering the 2022 NFL draft. If you think he’ll be one of the first wide receivers chosen, check out his scouting report below.
Background
Garrett Wilson was a three-year contributor at Ohio State and had his best year in 2021. Playing with freshman quarterback C.J. Stroud, Wilson had 70 receptions for 1,058 yards and twelve touchdowns. He was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team for his efforts. At six feet and 188 pounds, Wilson is not a burner like fellow Buckeye teammate Chris Olave but has good enough speed. Expect a time in the low 4.4’s in the 40-yard dash.
What are Garrett Wilson’s strengths and weaknesses?Â
Strengths
Wilson found a home as a slot receiver in 2020. This has been a great spot for him to maximize his best ability: running after the catch. A dynamic player in the open field, Wilson displays great creativity and almost always makes the first defender miss. He has good spatial awareness as well as he does a good job of finding open spots in zone coverage. This also aids him when making catches on the sideline. Annoying concentration drops aside, Wilson has good hands and does well to attack the ball before allowing it into his body. Finally, his route running is solid at all levels. While it’s not elite, his explosive running style and sudden movements in his route stem make him a difficult assignment.
Textbook double-move by Garrett Wilson pic.twitter.com/sgMxMWQqO6
— Carter Donnick (@CDonnick3) September 3, 2021
Weaknesses
As mentioned, Wilson is prone to some rather annoying drops. These often appear to be the result of his occasionally lacking concentration, as he displays good hand-eye coordination when attacking the ball away from his frame. His play strength is the biggest question for me. Since being used in the slot, he was not often faced with press coverage. I don’t believe he has the strength to consistently beat jams in the NFL at this time. However, his releases off the line of scrimmage are so good that he rarely has to. Alas, he will still be asked to add weight in the pros.
Where will Garrett Wilson land?
Wilson is an exceptionally good NFL draft prospect. While he does not do everything, he adds to a wide receiver class that features many different styles. His abilities as a slot receiver that is dominant after the catch also feature well in any offense in today’s NFL. I also think he can become a weapon down the field in the NFL. Although he is not used in this way often at Ohio State, he has the potential to be great in this area as well. Personally, I have Wilson with a first-round grade and think he is one of the best receivers in this year’s class. Wilson is expected to be one of the first wide receivers taken, and he is likely to be a first-round pick. If not, he figures to be a steal at the top of day two. He has Pro Bowl potential.
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*Top Photo: AP Photo/Jay LaPrete
