Football Outsiders on KW

Long & Winding Rhode · Sep 29, 2010

Here is an excerpt from a Football Outsiders article on Kyle Wilson.

Year One -- Kyle Wilson

Now that the Darrelle Revis Holdout Watch is over (to be replaced by the Darrelle Revis Injury Watch), the importance of the New York Jets' first-round draft pick comes into sharp focus. Kyle Wilson of Boise State was a surprise to still be on the board when the Jets picked at the 29th slot, but it was a fortuitous selection because of the Revis drama, and Antonio Cromartie picking up penalties at a rate that would have made Skip "Dr. Death" Thomas envious. Watching Wilson in Senior Bowl practices, I saw an embryonic version of the trail speed on deep routes that has made Revis famous. I asked Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com, whose eyes I trust more than most on these matters, if he saw the same thing.

"Absolutely, and in my mind, he was unquestionably the top cover corner of the 2010 draft," Rang said. "In terms of foot quickness, deep speed, and aggression -- he was very aggressive in coming up to cut off routes. And because he has legitimate 4.3/4.4 speed, it made him look that much faster on the field."

What about the intermediate slot coverage he'll most likely be asked to play when Revis and Cromartie are the lead dogs?

"I believe he can be very successful in that role, because of his quick feet," Rang said. "The one question I have is that your slot corners generally have to be tougher players, because they have offensive linemen coming up and crashing in on them a lot. That was one of the concerns about him, and why he dropped in the draft -- he‘s a cover corner, true to the definition. He's not the most physical guy when it comes to taking on blocks and things of that nature."

Teams don't select cornerbacks with their first draft picks unless there's serious starting-caliber play as part of the package (at least, teams don't do that on purpose, Tim Ruskell's history notwithstanding). With that in mind, I asked Rang if Wilson has the potential ability to play away from a teammate that opposing quarterbacks will target less and less as the legend grows. It's a kind of pressure that has eaten up some talented players (Exhibit A: DeAngelo Hall, when he was lining up alongside Nnamdi Asomugha), especially with schemes that employ a lot of man coverage.

"I think he does have the self-confidence that the great cornerbacks have," Rang said. "That's not to say that he's going to be a great cornerback, but I admire any player who comes from a supposedly smaller school, and goes on the big stage at the Senior Bowl, and raises his game that much higher. I thought he did that. In speaking to him before the draft, I think he does have the confidence to handle that situation, and I believe he has the talent. Now, if he gets torched a few times -- which, of course, he's going to -- the Jets' scheme is so aggressive, and there may be cause for concern. But of all the cornerbacks in that class, I thought he was the best fit for that team in terms of personality and physical talent. For the Jets' scheme in particular, and for the pressure of New York City. He played at Boise State, but he's a New Jersey kid."

Against the Dolphins last Sunday, Wilson didn't seem to have too many issues with the pressure that comes from tight coverage and a starting designation, but you saw where the teaching points still are. The 17-yard sideline pass to Davone Bess early in the second quarter was actually incomplete, out of bounds, as Bess had to stretch away from Wilson just to bring Chad Henne's pass in. The 'Fins hurried to the line and got away with one there. On the next play, Wilson came up in the box and helped force a Ricky Williams fumble that Williams ended up recovering. Miami went to that same sideline route to Bess on the next play -- basically a jump ball near out of bounds. This time, it worked. Near the end of that same second-quarter drive, Henne went deep to the right sideline to Brian Hartline, and Wilson got busted for a 27-yard interference call on a borderline-catchable pass because he didn't turn his head around in time.

You saw various shades of green in the second half -- Bess got another reception on Wilson in the third quarter because Wilson seemed unclear as to where he was lining up. At times, the game may get away from him, but he has the recovery speed -- literally and figuratively -- to keep it from getting too far away.
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Jake · Sep 29, 2010

Good article. We're going to have to be patient with Wilson this season. Rookie CBs all have to take their lumps, and need time to develop especially in a man-cover scheme.

Capt. Ace Nick · Sep 29, 2010

Revis never got burned his first year, right?

Milliner is your Mommy · Sep 29, 2010

Ace Nick said: ↑

Revis never got burned his first year, right?
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Revis is fire proof

DustinK · Sep 29, 2010

ace nick said: ↑

revis never got burned his first year, right?
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blasphemy!!

GQMartin · Sep 29, 2010

It's his third fucking game and he's been matched up on some pretty good receivers.

Can we give the fucking kid a break?

Long & Winding Rhode · Sep 29, 2010

GQSanchez said: ↑

It's his third fucking game and he's been matched up on some pretty good receivers.

Can we give the fucking kid a break?
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Yea, I thought the article gave good reason to be optimistic and give the kid a chance.

skeleton_frames · Sep 29, 2010

GQSanchez said: ↑

It's his third fucking game and he's been matched up on some pretty good receivers.

Can we give the fucking kid a break?
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Exactly. I love these clowns that are saying he should be benched. All of this playing time is going to pay huge dividends in the coming years.

CatoTheElder · Sep 29, 2010

CB is one of the more difficult transitions from college to pro. Patience is going to be paramount here for the fans. Unfortunately, this board has very little of it.

jets_fan_in_fishtown · Sep 29, 2010

Kyle will be fine and eventually be excellent.

Easy position to get exposed as a rookie. The only other position that can be almost as glaring is QB.

Btw op needs a name change

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