Jets Rumors: Garrett Wilson Agrees to 4-Year, $20.5M Rookie Contract
May 18, 2022
LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 28: Garrett Wilson, Ohio State University is selected as the number ten pick by the New York Jets during the NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Garrett Wilson, the second first-round draft pick by the New York Jets, is now officially a member of the team.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 21-year-old agreed to a four-year, fully guaranteed $20.55 million deal with the Jets:
Jets reached agreement today with the 10th overall pick Garrett Wilson on a four-year, fully-guaranteed $20.55 million deal, per source.
Jets now have all three of their first-round picks under contract on May 18.
The selection of the Ohio State product finalized the Jamal Adams trade the Jets made with the Seattle Seahawks in July 2020. They received Bradley McDougald, a first- and third-round pick in 2021 and a first-round pick in 2022 in exchange for the safety.
New York came out of that deal with Wilson and Alijah Vera-Tucker, who was selected with the No. 14 overall pick in 2021. The third-round pick that year was used to trade up with the Minnesota Vikings into the first round to select Vera-Tucker.
Wilson was the second pick in the top 10 for the Jets. They used their first choice at No. 4 overall on Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner.
While it remains to be seen what Wilson is going to be in the NFL, he could become Zach Wilson's go-to option on the outside right away. The Jets also have Corey Davis and Elijah Moore, but neither looks like a No. 1 option in a good offense.
B/R's NFL scouting department ranked Wilson as the fifth-best receiver in the class, behind Drake London (No. 5 overall), Chris Olave (No. 10), Jameson Williams (No. 15) and Jahan Dotson (No. 18). He wound up being the second wideout selected after London went to the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8.
Wilson had an outstanding three-year career at Ohio State, logging 2,213 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns in 32 games since 2019. He was named to the All-Big Ten team in each of the past two seasons, including the first team in 2021.
Expectations will be high for Wilson, and his resume suggests he can be a high-level player for a Jets team that has made several quality moves this offseason.
The 2022 NFL draft is in the books, and even if your team didn't select the player you wanted, there's still hope for you to root for your favorite—on your dynasty team...
Drake London, Jameson Williams, Rookie WRs' Fantasy Outlook from NFL Draft 1st Round
Apr 29, 2022
LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 28: Drake London, USC is selected as the number eight pick by the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
It was a busy night for the wideout position during the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night. In total, six players came off the board:
No. 8: Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
No. 10: Garrett Wilson, New York Jets
No. 11: Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
No. 12: Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions
No. 16: Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders
No. 18: Treylon Burks, Tennessee Titans
And outside of Williams, who likely will miss a good chunk of the 2022 season as he recovers from an ACL tear, all offer an interesting case for fantasy football players next season.
We start with London, who will immediately be Atlanta's best wideout and should be the focal point of the offense alongside of last year's first-round pick, tight end Kyle Pitts. So targets shouldn't be an issue.
The question, as it will be for a number of these players, is the quarterback throwing him the ball. Unless the Falcons pursue a quarterback via a trade or the draft, Marcus Mariota is going to be the starter in 2022. Mariota is a tested veteran, but he's also spent the majority of the past three seasons as a backup.
A good comp for London, then, might be DeVonta Smith, who was immediately Philly's top wideout last season but had a quarterback in Jalen Hurts who had his struggles in the passing game. Smith still put up solid numbers (64 receptions for 916 yards and five touchdowns).
Those might be a tad optimistic for London, but the Falcons made him a top-10 pick for a reason. He has flex upside.
The first wideout drafted was USC's Drake London to the Falcons, and @PatKerrane highlights how he'll impact the fantasy landscape in his rookie season. 👇 pic.twitter.com/ckM56Vk1Fk
Wilson, meanwhile, is going to serve as a litmus test for just how much potential second-year quarterback Zach Wilson has. Rookie Elijah Moore had 43 catches for 538 yards and five touchdowns, and Wilson is the better wideout. But Zach Wilson struggled mightily as a rookie, so unless he takes a giant leap, Garrett Wilson is going to be a risky option for fantasy owners.
Slot him into the WR4 range, though he could tap into the WR3 conversation. His ceiling is probably as follows:
Speed kills. And the Jets have a ton of it adding Garrett Wilson to pair with Elijah Moore.
Elusive and equipped with speed to leave DBs choking on dust, he's an excellent add to a Jets squad looking to maximize on offense. Believe he's capable of 55-750-4 in Year 1.
Olave should be the No. 3 option in New Orleans' passing game almost immediately behind Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara. That's a concern, considering starting quarterback Jameis Winston averaged just 167.1 passing yards per game last season.
The Saints clearly want to improve upon that mark, trading up twice to get in place for Olave. He'll give Winston a more vertical option and a deep playmaker. Perhaps the Saints will open up the playbook a bit and let Winston take more shots. But he's been mercurial throughout his career. Olave has flex upside, but the safer bet is keeping him in the WR4 range.
We'll skip Jameson Williams for now, seeing as he might not play at all next season.
Dotson is an interesting case. He'll be the No. 2 wideout behind Terry McLaurin, giving Carson Wentz the best pair of wideouts he's arguably ever had. But Wentz has been a roller coaster of a player in the past few years, mixing in moments of general brilliance with long lapses of questionable decision-making.
If the Commanders commit to getting Dotson the ball in space and are unique in how they do so, he has the playmaking ability to put up solid numbers. It's hard to imagine him putting up Jaylen Waddle production, given McLaurin's spot atop the depth chart, but he is the sleeper of this group.
Weve heard a lot about versatility but Rivera zeroed in on Dotson's interior route running as a great advantage. That means playing the slot.
I talked about Dotson with @MattWaldman on the podcast...Dotson is Matt's 8th WR in this draft. His speed is unquestioned and he's a playmaker against zone, but he's not physical. Possibly a slot complement to Terry McLaurin...
Consider him a WR4-5 with the ceiling to surprise.
Finally, we get to Treylon Burks, who lands in a perfect situation for him from a fantasy situation. He has the most reliable quarterback of the bunch (Ryan Tannehill) and will be the No. 2 option behind Robert Woods after A.J. Brown was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
On Tannehill's watch, players like Brown and Corey Davis proved to be viable fantasy starters. Don't be shocked if Burks is the most productive rookie wideout of the bunch. He has real flex upside.
Treylon Burks is one of the biggest winners in this NFL Draft.
With AJ Brown sent packing to Philly and Robert Woods coming off the ACL, he's Tennessee's new alpha. He's versatile. He's physical. He's a sensational prospect. Will push immediately into top-30 WR territory.
Just don't expect any of these players to touch the sort of production Ja'Marr Chase offered last year. None have his talent, and none have a quarterback as good as Joe Burrow.
If you play in a fantasy football league that includes defensive players—or only wide receivers—Thursday’s first round of the NFL draft gave you a lot to mull over...
Garrett Wilson Drafted by Jets: New York's Updated Depth Chart After Round 1
Apr 29, 2022
COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 13: Garrett Wilson #5 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs the ball during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The New York Jets have added a weapon on the outside, drafting Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson with the 10th pick in the 2022 NFL draft on Thursday.
New York's receiver depth chart now looks like this:
WR1: Garrett Wilson
WR 2: Corey Davis
WR3: Elijah Moore, Braxton Berrios, Denzel Mims
Wilson was the Buckeyes' second-leading receiver in 2021, recording 70 catches for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns. He averaged 15.1 yards per catch and also added a rushing touchdown. He was a part of a strong crop of receivers at Ohio State along with sophomore Jaxon Smith-Njigba and senior Chris Olave, who is still waiting to hear his name called in the draft.
The 21-year-old Wilson is known for his exceptional route running. Despite being undersized at 6'0", 183 pounds, Wilson does a great job of using his quickness and elusiveness to get separation from defensive backs.
Wilson is a fairly sure-handed receiver, registering just five drops last season. He's also a versatile player, as Ohio State used him in a variety of ways, such as end arounds and punt returns.
By drafting Wilson, New York is adding a polished pass-catcher who has the potential to become their No. 1 option in short time. His presence will be a welcome sight for quarterback Zach Wilson as he enters his second season.
The addition of Wilson will also be beneficial to New York's other receivers, who figure to benefit if he draws additional defensive attention.
Garrett Wilson NFL Draft 2022: Scouting Report for New York Jets' WR
Apr 29, 2022
COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 20: Garrett Wilson #5 of the Ohio State Buckeyes plays against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 5'11 3/4"
WEIGHT: 183
HAND: 9 7/8"
ARM: 32"
WINGSPAN: 6'4 1/2"
40-YARD DASH: 4.38
3-CONE: DNP
SHUTTLE: 4.36
VERTICAL: 36"
BROAD: 10'3"
POSITIVES
— Very good athlete who can make multiple defenders miss in tight spaces due to his balance and lateral quickness.
— Has very good burst and long speed and can take any catch or handoff the distance. Dangerous on screens and underneath throws.
— Consistently able to create yards after the catch.
— Good overall hands.
— Good catching range and is comfortable extending for balls away from his body. Has the balance to turn for throws and still maintain momentum going forward.
— Above-average height and length.
NEGATIVES
— Can play a bit out of control. Will stumble when breaking on routes.
— Improved route-runner but inconsistent. Can telegraph what he’s doing with lunge steps and opening up his upper body.
— Struggles versus press coverage. Physical defenders can give him issues.
Garrett Wilson is a dynamic receiver who has the lateral quickness and explosiveness to take any throw or handoff the distance. His foot speed and balance let him consistently miss the first defender with the ball in his hands and make him dangerous on underneath throws and screens to create yards after the catch.
Wilson is more of an athlete than true wide receiver at this point. He has improved as a route-runner but will need to continue to refine his polish and consistency at the next level. He will telegraph his route breaks at times by lunging forward and has the tendency to expose his chest. Wilson wins on releases with his agility and balance but struggled to consistently win versus physical CBs who pressed him at the line of scrimmage due to his average strength and current lack of technique and release plan.
Wilson can consistently create yards out of nothing on underneath throws and on wide receiver screens. Overall, he is an exciting player with the ball in his hands who projects as an outside-only option that teams will love to dial up screens and designed runs for as well. His athleticism and hands will make him useful for NFL teams on Day 1, but he will need to continue to work on his route-running polish and ability to win against press coverage to ascend to more.
Daniel Jeremiah NFL Mock Draft 2022: Complete 1st-Round Results from NFL Network Guru
Apr 28, 2022
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 04: Michigan Wolverines defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) runs in motion during the Big Ten Championship Game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Michigan Wolverines on December 04, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium, in Indianapolis, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NFL Network analyst and former pro scout Daniel Jeremiah dropped his final 2022 first-round mock draft.
Jeremiah has already released three iterations of his top-50 big board and three mocks, but Wednesday marked his final takes of the predraft season.
Of note, Jeremiah doesn't see a quarterback going in the top half of the draft, and only two signal-callers made the first round.
Instead, Jeremiah foresees a heavy run on wide receivers, including four going in the top 11.
On the defensive side of the ball, Jeremiah sees one of the draft's top prospects in Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton falling to a team that made the playoffs last year.
Hamilton is among a glut of defensive backs that Jeremiah sees going Thursday, as the draft guru also has four cornerbacks off the board by Day 2.
Unsurprisingly, Georgia is the best-represented school in Round 1, with the defending national champions sporting four first-round players.
Here's a look at how Jeremiah sees Day 1 going alongside some news and notes on a few of his picks.
4. New York Jets: Cincinnati CB Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner
5. New York Giants: Alabama OT Evan Neal
6. Carolina Panthers: Mississippi State OT Charles Cross
7. New York Giants (from Chicago Bears): Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson
8. Atlanta Falcons: Alabama WR Jameson Williams
9. New York Jets (projected trade from Seattle Seahawks): USC WR Drake London
10. Seattle Seahawks (projected trade from New York Jets): Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
11. Washington Commanders: Ohio State WR Chris Olave
12. Minnesota Vikings: LSU CB Derek Stingley Jr.
13. Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns): Florida State EDGE Jermaine Johnson II
14. Baltimore Ravens: Georgia DT Jordan Davis
15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami Dolphins): Notre Dame S Kyle Hamilton
16. New Orleans Saints (from Indianapolis Colts through Philadelphia Eagles): Northern Iowa OT Trevor Penning
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Florida CB Kaiir Elam
18. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans Saints): Washington CB Trent McDuffie
19. New Orleans Saints (from Philadelphia Eagles): Utah LB Devin Lloyd
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Pitt QB Kenny Pickett
21. New England Patriots: Boston College IOL Zion Johnson
22. Green Bay Packers (from Las Vegas Raiders): Arkansas WR Treylon Burks
23. Arizona Cardinals: Purdue EDGE George Karlaftis
24. Dallas Cowboys: Penn State WR Jahan Dotson
25. Buffalo Bills: Iowa State RB Breece Hall
26. Tennessee Titans: Tulsa OT Tyler Smith
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Houston DT Logan Hall
28. Green Bay Packers: Georgia LB Quay Walker
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from San Francisco 49ers through Miami Dolphins): Minnesota EDGE Boye Mafe
30. Kansas City Chiefs: Georgia WR George Pickens
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Michigan EDGE David Ojabo
32. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams): Liberty QB Malik Willis
2 EDGE, 3 OT in Top 6
Jeremiah sees a pair of edge-rushers going off the board one-two to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions, respectively.
Georgia's Travon Walker, who has shot up mock drafts lately, goes No. 1 to the Jags. The recent smoke has connected the player and team to the point where he's the clear -300 favorite ($300 bet to win $100) to land in Jacksonville, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
Jeremiah said on the NFL Network broadcast that he couldn't see Michigan edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson fall past the Lions at No. 2 if Walker went No. 1. Detroit needs defensive help (No. 31 in scoring D), and Hutchinson just polished off a 14-sack season.
Jeremiah then sees a run on offensive tackles with NC State's Ickey Ekwonu, Alabama's Evan Neal and Mississippi State's Charles Cross all going in the top six.
The Houston Texans at No. 3 have plenty of holes and can't really go wrong with whomever they pick, and Ekwonu going there could be the choice at right tackle.
The Giants desperately needed offensive line help after the front simply fell apart last year. They have a stalwart at left tackle in Andrew Thomas, but right tackle is a big question mark. Big Blue would answer that by taking Neal.
Finally, Jeremiah sees the Carolina Panthers going offensive tackle with Cross. The Panthers can opt to pick a quarterback at No. 6 like Malik Willis or Kenny Pickett, but the choice here is Cross, who would supplant himself at left tackle with Taylor Moton on the right side.
A Run on WR in Nos. 7-11
Jeremiah sees the New York Giants using their first-round pick on a wide receiver for the second straight season by selecting Ohio State's Garrett Wilson with the No. 7 pick.
Last season, the Giants selected Florida's Kadarius Toney with the No. 20 overall selection. However, the Giants had one of the worst offenses in football last year and could use more help on that side of the ball.
The Atlanta Falcons have a lot of holes, but wide receiver might be the biggest one given Russell Gage leaving for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency plus Calvin Ridley's yearlong suspension. Enter Alabama's Jameson Williams, who should form a great one-two pass-catching punch with tight end Kyle Pitts once he's ready to return from a torn ACL suffered during the national championship last January.
Jeremiah then projects the Jets to trade up one spot and part with a fourth-round pick to take the Seattle Seahawks' current spot at No. 9. With that, the Jets would select USC's Drake London, who had 88 catches for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns in just eight games last year before suffering a season-ending right ankle fracture.
Finally, the Washington Commanders end the run on wideouts by taking another Ohio State star in Chris Olave, who would slide into the WR2 role alongside former Buckeye great Terry McLaurin.
Only 2 QB in Round 1
Jeremiah has the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting the first quarterback in this year's draft with Pitt's Kenny Pickett staying in town.
The Steelers don't have a long-term solution at quarterback following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger.
Pittsburgh did sign free-agent signal-caller Mitch Trubisky on a two-year deal, but the Steelers would be wise to gather more options in order to better bridge the gap into a new era.
Pickett broke out in a big way last year en route to leading the Panthers to an ACC title and a Peach Bowl appearance. He completed 67.2 percent of his passes, threw for 42 touchdowns and added five more scores on the ground. Pickett ended up throwing for 4,319 yards.
Jeremiah then has Liberty's Malik Willis going with the 32nd and final pick in the 2022 NFL draft to the Detroit Lions. It's the best of both worlds for the Lions here, as they get their defensive cornerstone at No. 2 before selecting their franchise quarterback.
The Lions don't necessarily have to hand the reins over to Willis right away with veteran Jared Goff still around, but the high-upside former Flames star would be running the show soon enough.
The NFL Has Never Valued WRs More, Which Could Be the Story of the 2022 Draft
Brad Gagnon
Apr 27, 2022
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson runs a football drill during Ohio State Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
It's no secret that standout NFL wide receivers are in higher demand than ever before. But the free-agent market in recent years has driven that home.Â
In 2011, only two of the NFL's 40 highest-paid players were wide receivers (Larry Fitzgerald and Vincent Jackson), according to Spotrac. That number remained at or below the handful range until very recently, when it exploded from three in 2017 to eight in 2020 to 10 this offseason.Â
It's hard to imagine quarterbacks will ever be knocked from the top of the NFL's financial positional totem pole, but receivers have gone from a 5 percent share of the top 40 to a 25 percent share in just over a decade. That goes to show how much of an emphasis teams are placing on the guys who catch most of the passes from those filthy rich quarterbacks.
Signal-callers Aaron Rodgers, Deshaun Watson, Derek Carr, Matthew Stafford and Kirk Cousins cashed in this offseason, but so did pass-catchers Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, D.J. Moore, Chris Godwin and Mike Williams, all of whom now possess average annual salaries of at least $20 million.Â
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - MARCH 24: Tyreek Hill speaks with the media after being introduced by the Miami Dolphins at Baptist Health Training Complex on March 24, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
That trend appears to be trickling down to the draft, too. Eleven wide receivers have gone off the board in the first round of the last two drafts combined, compared to only four in 2018 and 2019 combined.
Those samples are small and those recent classes were receiver-rich, but regardless, that jump is statistically significant. Teams selected three or fewer receivers with first-round picks in six of the 10 drafts that preceded the recent rise, and the 2008 draft featured zero receivers in the first round.
The uptick in eye-popping receiver paydays isn't a response to perceived failures from rookie classes, either. There are of course cases that didn't pan out from recent drafts like like N'Keal Harry, John Ross, Jalen Reagor and Kadarius Toney, but recent early success stories like Moore, Marquise Brown, Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith and Ja'Marr Chase easily compensate for the group above.
This year's receiver class appears likely to extend the trend.Â
A mock draft earlier this month from the B/R NFL Scouting Department predicted that a record-tying seven wide receivers will be selected in the first round, with three more coming off the board in the top 40. And 10 of the top 43 spots on B/R's final big board belonged to wideouts. Meanwhile, this rookie quarterback class is not getting close to as much first-round love.
Teams appear to be realizing that it's often not enough to land a big fish under center if you can't give him difference-makers in the receiving corps. That mindset already existed to some extent, and a similar line of thinking previously paved the way for left tackles to become premium commodities in the draft and in free agency. But now that pass rushes are more dynamic and quarterbacks have been sheltered by the evolving rulebook, that quarterback-receiver dynamic has moved to the forefront.Â
No receiver is likely to go off the board in the top few picks on Thursday night, but this wideout class still got plenty of predraft love. That's partly because of the dynamics alluded to above, but also because there does again appear to be plenty of depth and overall talent among the group:
Ohio State's Garrett Wilson has the playmaking ability to go in the top 10. The rebuilding Atlanta Falcons make a lot of sense at No. 8 overall because the sky's the limit for him, but he could need some time.
USC's Drake London has the measurables and ceiling required to join Wilson in that range. He could also land with Atlanta but the New York Jets (No. 10), Houston Texans (No. 13) and Philadelphia Eagles (No. 15) are also logical potential landing spots in the top half of Round 1.Â
Another Buckeye, Chris Olave, has the polish and versatility to climb into the top 12 if some team jumps up for a wideout who's ready to make an immediate impact. The Los Angeles Chargers (No. 17), New Orleans Saints (Nos. 16 or 19), Green Bay Packers (Nos. 22 and 28) and Dallas Cowboys (No. 24) come to mind.Â
The B/R Scouting Department called Alabama product Jameson Williams "the most explosive weapon in the entire class." He could also sneak into the top 10 or 12 even though he's recovering from an ACL injury because he boasts so much upside. It wouldn't be shocking if the Falcons or Jets took Williams in the top 10, but it's hard to imagine him getting past Green Bay at No. 22.
There doesn't appear to be much of a gap between those four and a "second tier" that includes:
Do-everything Penn State weapon Jahan Dotson, who scored 12 receiving touchdowns in the Big Ten last season.
Big-bodied Arkansas product Treylon Burks, who scored 12 touchdowns in the SEC in 2021.
Towering former North Dakota State wideout Christian Watson, who has the measurables and remains an intriguing enigma from the Missouri Valley Football Conference.Â
Prototypical vertical outside threat George Pickens, who went over 700 yards with eight touchdowns as a freshman at Georgia back in 2019.Â
Former Clemson standout Justyn Ross, who has a similar makeup and resume to Pickens. He has a high ceiling, but a lot will depend on whether he can hold up medically in the NFL (there are concerns about his neck and foot).
Versatile Boise State pass-catcher Khalil Shakir, who went over 1,000 yards as a senior in 2021.
Do-everything Cincinnati alum Alec Pierce, who scored eight touchdowns as a senior last season.
But we've also seen Day 2 or even Day 3 receivers excel early as of late.
From Day 3 alone, fourth-rounders Amon-Ra St. Brown and Gabriel Davis are shining for the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills, respectively, while Darnell Mooney and Hunter Renfrow are doing the same as recent fifth-rounders for the Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders, respectively. Meanwhile, the likes of Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman Jr., A.J. Brown, DK Metcalf, Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, Diontae Johnson, Cooper Kupp and Chris Godwin were all Day 2 picks in recent years.
A few who could follow in similar footsteps in 2022:Â
South Alabama product JalenTolbert, who put up over 2,500 yards and scored 16 touchdowns in his last two college seasons and has tantalizing height, length and range.
Four-year Baylor contributor Tyquan Thornton, who has an ideal height/speed combination and scored 10 touchdowns in the Big 12 as a senior in 2021.Â
Consistent Purdue pass-catcher David Bell, who has the size and physicality to ball in the pros and went over 1,200 yards in the Big Ten last year.
Twitchy outside former Coastal Carolina star JaivonHeiligh, who caught more than 130 passes for more than 2,100 yards and 17 total touchdowns during his last two seasons in college.
The wide receiver lovefest is full swing, and that might be more evident than ever during the 2022 draft.
NFL Rumors: 'A Lot of Love' for WR Garrett Wilson in the League Ahead of 2022 Draft
Apr 25, 2022
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 27: Garrett Wilson #5 of the Ohio State Buckeyes warms up prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
Don't be shocked if Garrett Wilson ends up being a top-10 pick in the 2022 NFL draft.
Peter King of NBC Sports projected the Houston Texans to trade up to No. 9 to select the Ohio State wideout in his mock draft on Monday, noting there is "a lot of love for Wilson in the league."
He added that teams "like his ability to get open and to make things happen after the catch."
Wilson, 21, caught 70 passes for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns in the 2021 season. He paired with Chris Olave to give the Buckeyes arguably the top receiving corps in all of college football. He also had a rushing score.
Wilson is widely projected to be a first-round pick. Where he falls is up for debate, however.
The B/R Scouting Department, for instance, has him graded as the No. 21 player in this year's draft, which would make him a stretch as a top-10 pick.
However, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah has Wilson ranked No. 4 on his latest big board, calling him a "highly competitive wideout with route polish and prolific run-after-catch ability" whom he compared to Buffalo Bills star Stefon Diggs.
Polled 5 teams on Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson, including 3 GMs, 1 HC and a director of scouting: All five believe the elusive Wilson - an All-State 6A hooper in Texas as well - has superstar ability as a game-breaking talent, elite YAC machine and gifted 50/50 ball winner. â•ď¸Ź
If Wilson does end up being a top-10 pick—heck, maybe even a top-five selection—it won't come as a major surprise. There's a lot of smoke during draft season, but Wilson looks like he won't be on the board for long.
It wouldn't be a shock if a Texans team lacking weapons on both sides of the ball decided to jump up the board to nab him.
Report: 'Teams Are a Little Higher on' WR Garrett Wilson 'Than People Might Realize'
Apr 18, 2022
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) during an NCAA football game on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Adam Bettcher)
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson's stock might be climbing with the 2022 NFL draft less than two weeks away.
The MMQB's Albert Breer reported Monday the Ohio State star is "one guy I’ve heard teams are a little higher on than people might realize."
Wilson is the No. 21 overall player and sixth-best wideout on Bleacher Report's big board.
The 6'0" pass-catcher finished with 70 receptions for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2021. His career numbers (143 catches, 2,213 yards and 23 touchdowns in three seasons) may not jump off the page, but that's a testament to the depth in OSU's receiver room.
What the pair did in Columbus was special. After a four-year career, Olave holds the record for most touchdown receptions (35) in Ohio State history.
Wilson became just the 2nd Buckeye ever to have four straight 100 yard receiving games in 2020.pic.twitter.com/MU7HNI5jIp
The Buckeyes had so much talent they couldn't find a regular place for Jameson Williams, who transferred to Alabama last year and was playing his way into being a top-10 pick before suffering a torn ACL.
Scouting the OSU standout for B/R, Nate Tice compared Wilson to Kansas City Chiefs wideout Mecole Hardman:
Wilson can consistently create yards out of nothing on underneath throws and on wide receiver screens. Overall, he is an exciting player with the ball in his hands who projects as an outside-only option that teams will love to dial up screens and designed runs for as well. His athleticism and hands will make him useful for NFL teams on Day 1, but he will need to continue to work on his route-running polish and ability to win against press coverage to ascend to more.
B/R's mock draft landed Wilson with the New Orleans Saints at No. 18, but he has been projected to go as high as No. 4 by ESPN's Todd McShay.
He has clearly made an impression on NFL talent evaluators.
