Rate Bengals Draft

[*SHRacerX*]

(04-25-2020, 09:06 PM)Nicomo Cosca Wrote: So Wilson was a bit of reach, but the value of ADG made up for it.

I love that everyone keeps knocking Wilson (not saying that you did).  The medicals probably hurt ADG, but I am really excited about Wilson.

A buddy of mine was a scout for the Bears.  It has been 20 years, but I remember him telling me about this small school LB that was a hybrid (actually used that word) safety and LB that not only was a beast on defense, but he even played WR and returned kicks!  He swore up and down that he was going to be the next big thing in the NFL and that the Bears were dead set on drafting him.

He showed me film (VHS) about the guy and I couldn't believe what I was seeing.  6'4", 250 lbs that ran at 4.57.  Never having seen New Mexico on TV, I had no clue about the guy.  What he loved most about him was his absolute love for the game and his instincts.  He said that when you have that kind of pure athleticism with instincts, you go after him.

Twenty years ago, the Bears drafted one Brian Urlacher.

Now, I am not saying Wilson is a Brian Urlacher.  Wilson is about 10 lbs lighter.  He ran .05 seconds slower in the forty.   He jumped just 2" shorter in the vertical.  Bench press wasn't even close:  Wilson 21 reps and Urlacher 37.  But what I love about Wilson was that he played cornerback, WR, punter, and place kicker in his high school team.  Talk about doing it all!  He has a TON of experience of starting (yes, he is 23, but I will take the "has seen it all" at LB over his age not being 21. 

I loved his quote when he was asked about his uncanny ability to see things before they happen.  He responded (paraphrasing) with how he has studied tape so much for each opponent that he recognizes what is coming before it begins.  Speed is one thing (he has it) but instincts, and the ability to make plays on the ball in the air is another.  Wilson is going to be a 3-down LB on the Bengals for a long time.  I can't wait to see him.