Is there room at linebacker for Logan Wilson?

Logan Wilson, LB

School: University of Wyoming | Conference: Mountain West Conference

College Experience: RS Senior | Age: 23

Height / Weight: 6’2” / 241 lbs

Projected Draft Status: 4th - 6th Round

Player Comparison: Jake Ryan

College Statistics

Player Overview

It seems rare for a high school football player to play defensive back, wide receiver, and . . . punter. But that’s exactly what Logan Wilson did. Recruited by Wyoming and Colorado, he decided to stay in state for his college career. After redshirting his freshman year, Wilson became a prolific linebacker in Laramie. He’s received all-Mountain West honors the past three seasons, receiving first team honors his senior season, and is third all-time in tackles in the Mountain West.

Strengths

· Good burst when coming downhill and attacking the line of scrimmage.

· Shows power when taking on blockers and can disengage from blockers.

· Instinctual with a great understanding of spacing in zone coverage and shows ball skills.

· Durable. Started every game in college.

· Three-time captain.

Weaknesses

· Despite high tackle production, can miss tackles because he struggles breakdown and adjust to the ball carrier’s change of direction. Leads to him leaving his feet and just missing the tackle.

· Can be too interested in taking on blockers that he loses sight of the play.

· Appeared to play mostly zone coverage in college, so his man coverage ability is questionable.

· Good speed and burst, but a little tight in the hips making it hard for him to change directions quickly.

Let’s go to the video tape

How He Fits On The Team

As the defense transitions to a 4-3, there are a lot of options for linebacker already on the roster, and that was before signing Thomas Davis, Kevin Pierre-Louis, and re-signing Jon Bostic. It’s possible that the coaches are all set at linebacker for the offseason. But if they want to add a player in the draft, does Wilson fit the bill? Wilson has a good athletic profile and shows promise. His leadership and character appear to be what a coach like Ron Rivera desires. But if he can’t show that he can play man coverage reliably, I don’t see him being chosen. If he was selected, I see him as special teamer and backup MLB or SLB with potential to start. It remains to be seen where linebackers currently on the roster will ultimately play, but Wilson could be brought in to compete for a spot in the group.