Posted June 16, 20241 yr https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-rookie-nfl-player-comparisons-wr-johnny-wilson/ June 15, 2024 Eagles rookie NFL player comparisons: WR Johnny Wilson Johnny Wilson is a big-boded receiver coming out of Florida State who can play out wide or in the slot. Who is his NFL comp? By Jimmy Kempski PhillyVoice Staff As we do every offseason, we'll be comparing each of the Philadelphia Eagles' rookies to current or former NFL players. Today we'll find a comp for sixth-round wide receiver Johnny Wilson. At 6'6, 231, Wilson is a huge freak of nature playing receiver. His career began at Arizona State, but he transferred to FSU for the 2022 season. In 2022, he had 43 catches for 897 yards and (20.9 YPC) and 5 TDs. Here are most of those receptions: In 2023, Wilson had a somewhat disappointing 41 catches for 617 yards (15.0 YPC) and 2 TDs. There was some thought that Wilson could move to tight end because of his size, but the Eagles announced him as a wide receiver, so that's where he'll begin his pro career. After watching him a bit during spring practices, I am of the opinion that he moves pretty well for a receiver his size. His Combine measurables were also impressive for a 6'6 receiver: Wilson can play outside, but FSU also used him at times as a big slot. He can make plays down the field with his size (again, 20.9 YPC in 2022), but he's also a red zone target. As a reminder, this rookie comp series is not meant to be predictive of each players' success or lack thereof in the NFL. It is merely an exercise to say, "This rookie reminds me of (fill in some recognizable name) because of X, Y, and Z." With that disclaimer in place, Wilson has a lot of similarities to Marques Colston, the former late Day 3 Saints receiver who played in the NFL for 10 years, six of which he topped 1000 yards. (I also considered Darren Waller as a comp, since he began his NFL career as a wide receiver before moving to tight end.) To begin, it's kind of remarkable how closely Wilson's and Colston's athletic Combine measurables align: In New Orleans, Colston could play outside, or from the slot, where he worked the seams for Drew Brees for a decade. The one area where Colston was great — and where Wilson will have to improve if he's going to make it in the NFL — was his sure hands in contested catch situations. Next up: C Dylan McMahon. Eagles thoughts on A.J. Brown, QB contracts and more Follow Jimmy & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @JimmyKempski | thePhillyVoice Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice Sports Add Jimmy's RSS feed to your feed reader Jimmy Kempski PhillyVoice Staff jimmy@phillyvoice.com
June 17, 20241 yr Author 19 hours ago, Portyansky said: I have feeling he might transition to TE. 50 years ago, the Eagles tried that with Harold Carmichael. He didn't pan out as a TE, and didn't break out as an All-Pro until they split him back out as a WR.
June 18, 20241 yr He’s certainly a big WR but if he can shift then he could be a versatile piece. From his 2022 numbers he’s certainly got big play ability so that’s something. But in the NFL it’s going to be such a big step up for him.
June 18, 20241 yr These player comparisons are just silly. It’s not just the measurables and stats that define a career (obviously) - coaching, what type of offensive (or defensive) system they play in, what opportunities they get, etc.
June 20, 20241 yr For WRs who are big body freaks, it all depends on how well they run routes, use that big body to shield DBs and catch the ball. Speed and a big body mean little when you run lousy routes and let the DBs physically handle you. We've seen physical freaks year after year. Most of them never break out.....
June 20, 20241 yr Author 6 hours ago, birdman#12 said: For WRs who are big body freaks, it all depends on how well they run routes, use that big body to shield DBs and catch the ball. Speed and a big body mean little when you run lousy routes and let the DBs physically handle you. We've seen physical freaks year after year. Most of them never break out..... Yet for those of us old enough to remember, there once was a guy named Harold Carmichael
June 22, 20241 yr On 6/19/2024 at 11:44 PM, Procus said: Yet for those of us old enough to remember, there once was a guy named Harold Carmichael The fact that he wasn't inducted into the pro football HOF until 2020 is an absolute disgrace......
June 23, 20241 yr On 6/18/2024 at 6:52 AM, time2rock said: These player comparisons are just silly. It’s not just the measurables and stats that define a career (obviously) - coaching, what type of offensive (or defensive) system they play in, what opportunities they get, etc. Comparisons are always interesting. Later, we can compare careers, but basically, this is just showing similarities at this point in a timeline. I always feel like these guys that make rosters are all the best of the best at this sport. The potential is there. But as you point out, there are a lot of factors that play into whether or not a player's career will ultimately be deemed a success. Colston was a 7th round pick that exceeded expectations. Hopefully Wilson will do the same.
June 24, 20241 yr The #1 job of a receiver is catching the ball. Can he catch? If he has great hands, he'll probably pan out. If not, he'll ship out. We'll see.
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