As usual, there is no shortage of talented wide receivers in this year’s NFL Draft class. Among the handful of receivers who figure to be a first-round pick, Garrett Wilson of Ohio State is arguably the best. But is Wilson ready to follow receivers like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase who were impact rookies and will he end up being the best wide receiver in this class when all is said and done?
College Career
As a true freshman in 2019, Wilson made his presence known with the Buckeyes, collecting 30 receptions for 432 yards and five touchdowns. He took a big step forward as a sophomore, catching 43 passes for 723 yards and six touchdowns. Wilson came on strong late in the season, becoming just the second receiver in Ohio State history to have at least 100 receiving yards in four straight games.
Naturally, the 2021 season was Wilson’s best with the Buckeyes. He made 70 receptions for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns. Despite sitting out the Rose Bowl, Wilson finished his career with over 2,200 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging 15.5 yards per catch.
Pros
There’s no denying Wilson’s incredible athleticism on the field. More importantly, he knows how to use it. Wilson has a great first step, which helps him to get separation at the line of scrimmage. His quick burst also makes him elusive after the catch, enabling Wilson to make defenders miss and pick up huge chunks of yards after the catch, which is where he does his best work.
While he’s not the tallest receiver available in this year’s draft, he uses his nearly six-foot frame well and has a catch radius of a bigger receiver. Wilson also has reliable hands, so when the ball gets to him, he’s a safe bet to catch it and then immediately become a threat after the catch.
Cons
Despite being an elite athlete, Wilson is not yet a polished wide receiver, especially after just three years in college. His route running steadily improved during his college career but still needs work. At times, Wilson can be undisciplined with his routes while other times he will telegraph what he’s going to do, which is going to be more of a problem against experienced NFL cornerbacks.
Finally, Wilson isn’t the strongest wide receiver, so corners who press him and are physical at the line of scrimmage can negate his quickness and athleticism and give him trouble.
Projection
Wilson will undoubtedly be a first-round pick and could be a top-10 selection and the first wide receiver off the board if teams prefer him to a few of the taller receivers available. His size, lack of physical strength, and occasionally problematic route running are all issues he will have to improve or overcome in the NFL.
However, he’s a dangerous ball-carrier after the catch and is a potential home-run threat every time he catches the ball. Wilson may not be the most consistent rookie wide receiver we’ve seen in recent years, although he will have his moments of brilliance and make an impact right away and his long-term upside remains high.