Howard Wilson, CB: A Great Playmaker Who Needs More Experience

Howard Wilson, CB
School: Houston | Conference: AAC
College Experience: RS Sophomore | Age: 20?
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 184 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd or 4th Round
NFL Comparison: Marcus Cooper

College Statistics

Player Overview

Howard Wilson draws a lot of comparisons to his former teammate William Jackson. They have some similar size comparisons but I can mostly see the similarities in their aggressive nature on the football field. Houston has produced several quality football prospects the past couple years and along with his teammate Tyus Bowser (LB), Wilson looks to be the latest talent coming out of the secondary. He can he make some spectacular plays. Wilson has a breakout redshirt sophomore year (the year prior he injured his knee) and made a lot of plays on the ball due to his incredible instincts, awareness, and ability to jump routes. He displays impressive length and athleticism and has the ability to blanket receivers and win 50/50 balls. Wilson has limited experience at the position but at his current mid-round projection in a draft class loaded at CB he may figure to be one of the best values in the draft.

Strengths

• Elite level closing burst and short area quickness. When paired with his vision in instincts it leads to pass breakups and interceptions.
• Has the length, size, speed, and athleticism to stay with most receivers.
• Specialized in baiting the QB and can disguise his coverage well. Can’t overstate how well he uses his vision and anticipates.
• Solid technique and fundamentals. Very fluid in his back pedal and in his ability to turn and mirror receivers.
• Has good hands and his big play ability seems to come naturally.

Weaknesses

• Limited experience at the position.
• Had an ACL injury that kept him out last year.
• Has a thinner build and could stand to add bulk
• Some could be concerned about his level of competition in the AAC.

Let’s see his work:

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

Most of my profiles have covered first and second round corners. I’m sure that draws the ire of some since its considered a luxury position. Like pass rushers, I think a team can never have too many good cover corners. Howard Wilson is that but at a discounted price. The corner position is the deepest it has been in years so there will be several prospects that get pushed down into the later rounds. It looks like Wilson is going to be one of those guys due to his limited experience and arguably his level of competition. Wilson’s game needs to be refined and he needs some time to improve his strength and build. I think if a good secondary coach gets his hands on him and teaches him the other part of the game (to become a better tackler and recognition of routes in a complex NFL offense is a ?) then that team will be cooking with fire.

The Redskins could use him. There, of course, will be an adjustment period for Wilson in the NFL but he offers the level of instincts and vision needed in the secondary and that isn’t found in some of his peers who are ranked higher. Wilson offers immediate special teams value as a gunner and defending kicks. He also would offer serious competition for CB4 and arguably CB3/Slot if given a chance at open competition.