David Wilson says, ‘I want to wow people,’ then proceeds to wow us
If Giants running back David Wilson didn't have your attention before, he presumably has it now.
Wilson, a first-round pick out of Virginia Tech, absolutely embarrassed Chicago's first-string defense in preseason action on Friday night. Just check the tape — the first three highlights belong to the rookie. (Not exactly a tackling clinic there, Nick Roach). Wilson carried five times for 49 yards in the first half and he hauled in two passes for 26. He started for New York in place of Ahmad Bradshaw, who's dealing with a minor hand injury.
Prior to Friday's game, Wilson had this to say to reporters:
"Any time I'm in a game, I try to get people to say, 'Wow.' I want to wow people."
He then wowed us, thoroughly.
Last year, Wilson led all FBS backs in yards-after-contact, en route to a 1,709-yard season. This is an electric runner who impressed at the NFL Combine (41-inch vertical), and who now finds himself with a significant supporting role in the Giants' backfield. And in case you'd forgotten, Bradshaw has a complicated medical history, full of foot and ankle issues.
[Over/Under: Attempting to solve the Adrian Peterson puzzle]
Wilson is dirt-cheap at the draft table, just the 40th running back selected in an average fantasy league (ADP 95.8). At that price, he offers ridiculous profit potential. He's going 60 picks later than Bucs rookie Doug Martin, which, to me, seems silly. (Not trying to offend the Martin zealots here. I recognize the fact that he'll have a featured role for Tampa Bay. But Wilson is tied to a much better offense, and is, to my eye, the better runner. The gap in ADP between these two is crazy). Wilson is clearly a player to target, and not merely as a Bradshaw 'cuff.
BONUS WILSON COVERAGE...
We should note that Friday was actually a big night for Wilsons everywhere, as Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson carved up the Chiefs in his first preseason start. We've discussed Russell a few times already (recently here, also here), and he just took a huge step toward claiming the starting gig for the Seahawks. Wilson directed scoring drives in his first six series against KC — his seventh ended in a missed field goal — ultimately finishing 13-for-19 with 185 passing yards and two TDs. He added two carries for 58 yards, just to tempt fantasy owners a bit more.
Highlights right here, via NFL.com.
Head coach Pete Carroll hasn't declared an end to the competition just yet...
So how about it coach, is it time to say that this is Wilson's job to lose?
"Nope," Carroll said. "You can try, but we'll go to next week and figure it out. I'll let you know later."
...but the rookie appears to have a commanding lead over Matt Flynn.
[Watch: The fastest fantasy risers among the rookies]
Wilson's mobility, both in and out of the pocket, is terrific. It's tough to find fault with his decision-making, his composure, his ball placement, his ... well, anything. He was already on the fantasy map as a dynasty option, but he's clearly played his way into the QB2 conversation. Add as needed.
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