Vikings 2024 NFL draft scouting report: Michigan WR Roman Wilson
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This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at quarterback, running back, defensive line and edge rusher. We will also focus on wide receiver since it’s a loaded class and an increased chance to get a Stefon Diggs-type steal in the later rounds.
The Vikings are slated to have 9 picks going into the NFL draft and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Roman Wilson
Michigan
Height-6000
Weight-192 lbs
Fourth-year Senior
4-Star recruit at cornerback per 247 Sports
Stats: 157 targets, 107 receptions, 1,707 yards, 16.0 YPR, 20 touchdowns, 7 rushes, 117 yards, 2 touchdowns
Games watched: North Carolina 2023, Georgia 2023, Florida 2023, Mississippi State 2023
Strengths
The first thing that jumps out about Wilson is his speed. He is a burner on the outside who can separate from defenders in coverage and in open space. Has the speed to take the edge on jet sweeps.
Yards after the catch is something you can take advantage of with Wilson. He has 34% of his career yards after the catch with a 14.1 aDOT.
Has a relatively varied release package. Wilson has multiple approaches to beat the defender off of the line of scrimmage.
Contested catches are a relative unknown with Wilson but he did catch 9/17 attempts. Small sample size but good results.
Weaknesses
Wilson is a smaller player and that can hinder him in press coverage. Struggles dealing with physicality at times in open space.
His size might also impact his versatility. Michigan lined him up in the slot a shade under 60% of the time at Michigan and frequently had him on the move at the snap to avoid press coverage.
Blocking in the run game is inconsistent. When in motion, he misses engaging on blocks and doesn’t have the strength to hold them consistently.
Route running could use more nuance. He relies a little bit too much on his speed to get open and has room to grow with the finesse areas of his game.
Overview
Hands | 8.0/10 |
Release | 8.3/10 |
Route Running | 10.5/15 |
Separation | 13.2/15 |
Contested Catches | 7.8/10 |
Tracking | 7.2/10 |
Body Control | 7.3/10 |
YAC Ability | 7.8/10 |
Agility | 8.0/10 |
Grade | 78.1/100 Third Round |
Wilson has some intriguing tools at his disposal but there are concerns that he might not be able to fix. However, he still provides a baseline of speed and explosiveness in the open field that will help him as he grows in the NFL.
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