Earlier today Parks gave you a reason to tune into the UNC vs VT ACC battle tonight, but Dwight Jones isn't the only prospect to watch that could interest the Redskins next April. On the other side of the field is another offensive star in running back David Wilson.
Now some might point to Roy Helu as a reason to not look to draft a running back, but in today's NFL you need more than one competent back to have a successful running game, and the Redskins are lacking otherwise. Tim Hightower is coming back from a major knee injury and is an impending free agent, while Ryan Torain has been a disappointment of late. While running back isn't the Skins top priority using a 3rd or 4th round pick would be a wise move. Just this past year we saw the Lions and Cardinals take running backs in the 2nd round despite spending recent 1st round picks on backs. And the Patriots took running backs in the 2nd and 3rd round despite having a 1,000 yard rusher.
Strengths and Weaknesses after the jump
Strengths: Wilson is a big play running back for the Hokies, and even last season with a crowded backfield of Ryan Williams and Darren Evans, Wilson was the one who usually came up with the big play. Wilson has breakaway speed, and displays the the elusiveness and quick cutting ability that would make him ideal for the Redskins zone blocking rushing attack.Wilson could be the Redskins version of LeSean McCoy (though might not have that ceiling). Wilson also has been a part time kick returner, so he can help the Redskins on special teams in addition to his ability in the backfield.
Weaknesses: While Wilson can be a home run hitter at running back, right now he is primarily an outside runner. He has strong legs and gets the most out of his runs, but he's not built right now to run between the tackles (though his ability to cut outside mitigates that somewhat). Wilson also is pretty raw in pass blocking and will be a bit of a liability in that department.
Draft Projection: Wilson will likely help himself in the workouts (as he is also a track star), but I still see him in the early to mid-third round range. If the Redskins can fill their offensive line and quarterback needs in the first two rounds and free agency, grabbing a guy like Wilson in the 3rd would be a big addition to the Redskins offense.