Garrett Wilson is routinely seen as the first receiver off the board in mock drafts, but he isn’t the only one in the WR1 conversation. What are Wilson’s current NFL Draft projections heading into Ohio State’s Pro Day?
NFL Mock Draft 2022: Garrett Wilson’s draft projections
Ohio State’s Wilson isn’t the biggest receiver at 6’0″ and 183 pounds. However, his long arms (32″) and big hands (9 7/8″) allow him to secure passes that some prospects of his size can’t. At the 2022 NFL Combine, he ran a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash, .01 faster than teammate Chris Olave who many expected to be the faster WR. Wilson also produced a 36″ vertical, 10’3″ broad, and 4.36 short shuttle, all of which were solid but not overly impressive numbers.
On the Pro Football Network Big Board, Wilson ranks as the top receiver. His body control, ability to impact the game on all three levels — before the catch, at the catch point, and after the catch –, and overall upside are what endears him to so many draft analysts and likely scouts.
NFL Mock Draft 2022: PFN’s top consensus landing spots
In PFN Daft Analyst Ian Cumming’s recent 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft released on March 7, the Eagles selected Wilson with the 16th overall selection. Philly drafted DeVonta Smith 10th overall last year, but they are far from complete at receiver. Jalen Reagor has struggled mightily, and Quez Watkins isn’t a reliable Z. Wilson would step in and instantly start on the outside, freeing up Smith and offering Jalen Hurts another weapon to target.
In his mock, Ian stated, “On the field, [Wilson]’s play is eerily reminiscent of Buffalo Bills star Stefon Diggs. With his high-end explosiveness and twitch, Wilson can easily displace DBs. He attacks blind spots, has the acrobatic catching ability to make plays downfield, and is a slippery RAC threat. Alongside DeVonta Smith, Wilson could do damage.”
PFN NFL Analyst Dalton Miller had Wilson going far later in his mock draft, as he fell to the Green Bay Packers with the 28th pick. With Aaron Rodgers back and Davante Adams presumably following suit, fielding another talented pass catcher has to be among the franchise’s top priorities. Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a free agent, and although Allen Lazard re-signed, Wilson would be an immediate upgrade.
Where does Wilson land on other draft boards?
ESPN’s Mel Kiper ranks Wilson as his 12th overall prospect. Yet, the Ohio State star is his WR2 behind USC’s Drake London (eighth). Similarly, fellow ESPN draft pundit Todd McShay had London above Wilson. But on McShay’s big board, Wilson was the 10th-best prospect, just one slot behind London.
However, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah owns a firmer belief in Wilson’s NFL Draft projection, labeling him as the No. 6 player in his rankings. In fact, the next closest receiver (London) doesn’t appear until No. 13. Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler had the Browns taking Wilson with the 13th pick. In a previous iteration, Brugler envisioned the Jets choosing the talented wideout with the 10th selection.
So yea, I’d put money on Wilson being either the first or second WR off the board in April. He may not be the consensus No. 1 receiver, but he is consistently viewed as a top-15 player in the 2022 NFL Draft. And after his pro day, he should secure his draft projection.
