Scouting The Draft, Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

By David Wyatt Hupton Feb 5, 2010, 6:01am EST

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I have spent more time looking at Wilson than any other prospect so far, and it''s easy to see why a lot of people are high on him. He had a very impressive week at the senior bowl, and showcased his talents better than most. Some have suggested that he can't be a first round prospect because he really didn't face much competition at Boise State, which really doesn't hold much water because they have come up against some of the better passing offences in the country this season

Wilson was an instant hit Monday, the first day of practices for Saturday's game, which gives top prospects a chance to compete in front of NFL coaches and scouts. Some bloggers called him the North team MVP and "brilliant."

There are a lot of good things to like about Wilson, but like all college players, he still has a lot to work on, and with his lack of height/bulk, I'm not sure he can come in and be an immediate starter in the NFL, and some have even suggested that because of his lack of size/bulk he will be a career nickel corner, I'm not sure about that, he is an inch shorter than Revis, and only 10lb's lighter. I know it's comparing apples and oranges to some extent because of Revis's vertical ability and general instincts and awareness but I always take physical measurable with a pinch of salt in regards to success/failure.

In 2007 Wilson was suspended for three games for a violation of team rules, I have had a look and I can't see if it ever became known what those rules were. Again like with Cox, these things have to be considered, but it really isn't anything major here. Was considered a 4th round prospect coming into his senior season, but is set to become only the second Boise State cornerback to ever be taken in the first three rounds of the NFL draft. Right now, most draft 'experts' consider Wilson a second round prospect.

Career Stats

2005- (RS)

2006- 10 games played, 41 tackles, 5 passes broken up, 1 interception, 0 sacks, 1 forced fumble

2007- 13 games played, 41 tackles, 8 passes broken up, 2 interceptions, 1 sack, 0 forced fumbles

2008- 13 games played, 35 tackles, 10 passes broken up, 5 interceptions, 0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles

2009- 14 games played, 43 tackles, 4 passes broken up, 3 interceptions, 1 sack, 0 forced fumbles

Career Awards & Achievements

2008 All-American Second Team (TSN)
2008/2009 All-WAC First Team Defence
2008 All-WAC Second Team Special Teams
2007 All-WAC Second Team Defence
2009 Semi-Finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award

More after the jump:

What does Kyle Wilson do well?

Can work as a corner and in the return game. Is a play-maker on defence, very athletic, has good straight line speed, very fluid hips, stays low on the back-pedal making it easy to burst out when needed. Has quite a good leaping ability, and can make adjustments on his man down the field. Already confident helping in the run game, and not afraid to put his shoulder into someone. Can be used as a blitzer, uses his speed to get around the edge. Emerged in 2009 as a leader of Boise State, and plays with confidence on every down. Extremely durable, won't find him hobbled very often.

What does Kyle Wilson need to improve on?

He will probably need to bulk up for the next level, gets turned around a little too easily, and allows a little too much separation. Has trouble with bigger wide receivers, who use their body to get in-between Wilson and the ball. Sometimes has a hard time getting off blocks and making a play on the ball, screens could work well his side of the field. Has a tendency to bite on play action, and is liable to give up a couple of big plays every now and again. Needs to work on his tackling technique, often dives at the feet instead of wrapping up the legs.

Final Word

Nobody is riding the hype train more going into the 2010 NFL draft than Kyle Wilson, and he has shown the qualities to be a good pro at the next level. I don't think he will ever be in that 'elite' class, and his weaknesses stop him from being a first round selection in my mind. I'm not sure anyone actually has him going first round even after his impressive senior bowl week. He does have ability though, and his speed is very handy, will likely need some time before he is ready to start in the NFL, but if he gets into camp, gets his tackling technique down, and just improves his reading of the QB, he will be a good player in my opinion. Obviously it depends what happens with the board, but I just don't think he will be a first round selection. We will have to see how his pro day and combine go,and he has that potential to get up into the first round, I like the player, but I'm not as high on him as some are. He has as much going for him as any cornerback not named Haden in this draft, but for me he has more weaknesses than Cox, so he is 3rd on my cornerback power ranking. Again, just my opinion.

Kyle Wilson Highlights/Lowlights v TCU