Written By Adam Aniba
The 2024 NFL Draft boasts some elite talent on the offensive side of the ball, but day 2-3 will feature a few wide receiver prospects that have the ability to contribute immediately.
Florida State receiver Johnny Wilson boasts elite size for the position and a team willing to be creative, can find an immediate role for him in ther passing game with a minimal investment.
Johnny Wilson
6'7" 237 lbs | WR | FSU
Draft Proj 4th Rd
ASU Career Stats (8 games)- 18 rec 242 yds and 1 TD (13.5 avg)
FSU Career Stats (23 games)- 84 rec 1,514 yds and 7 TDs (18.0 avg)
2023 Stats (10 games)- 41 rec 617 yds and 2 TDs (15.0 avg)
Background
Wilson grew up in Pacolma, CA and played football for Calabasas High School. As a freshman, he recorded 58 receptions for 855 yards and 14 touchdowns. Wilson helped lead the way to the Calabasas Division 5 Southern Section Title and a state semifinal birth.
Fast forward to his senior season, in which he registered 37 receptions for 606 yards and 8 touchdowns. Wilson finished his four year career with 187 receptions for 3,032 yards and 43 TDs.
Wilson was named a 4-star prospect by ESPN and was the 89th ranked high school prospect in the nation by 247 Sports. In addition, the Calabasas HS receiver was ranked as the 8th best high school wide receiver prospect in the nation by ESPN and Rivals.
The receiver was invited to Under Armour All-America Game and Polynesian Bowl All-Star Game. Initially Wilson committed to Oregon, but then changed his mind and committed Arizona State for the 2020 season.
While at ASU, Wilson only received minimal reps and was active in 8 games in two seasons, registering 18 receptions and 1 touchdown.
Wilson was utilized primarily as a blocker in sub-packages for the Sun Devils. Some believe he could have been utilized as a flex tight end, but that never came to fruition under ASU Head Coach Jedd Fisch.
After being frustrated with his lack of reps and targets in the ASU offense, Wilson transferred to Florida State for the '22 season.
Wilson wasted little time making his presence know in Tallahassee. In 2022 he played in 12 games and emerged as the Seminole's top receiving threat, registering 43 receptions for 897 yards (20.9 yards per reception) and 5 touchdowns.
Wilson was named to the '22 2nd Team All-ACC and FSU Newcomer of the Year.
In 2023 Wilson played in 10 games recording 41 receptions for 617 yards and 2 TD with a 15.0 avg. Although it was a down year compared to '22, Wilson has the tools to be an ideal possession receiver and a red zone threat on the next level.
PROS
Excels as a runner after the catch as a quick twitch prospect, who's just scratching the surface of his talent level
Can take over in 50/50 jump ball situations and a mismatch vs smaller defensive backs
Length, wingspan & catch radius make him an asset for a quarterback when the pocket breaks down
Displays the ability to shed tackles but also boasts impressive focus & balance as a sideline toe-tapper
A long-strider who's deceptively quick
CONS
Although a willing blocker, he's only average and inconsistent in this area
Limited route tree and needs to run sharper routes
Struggles to create separation
Occasional concentration lapses has led to untimely drops
Although displays impressive burst, lacks a second gear in the open field
Outlook
Wilson's 36" arms and 10 1/4 inch hands, in addition to his reported 35.5" vertical should impress receiver needy teams heading in the NFL Draft.
The Seminoles receiver has been recorded hitting speeds of up to 21.23 mph during his time in Tallahassee. Add the appeal of his agility, athleticism and awareness when making difficult sideline receptions.
His ability to break tackles and create YAC as a field stretcher, make him an ideal offensive weapon that can be moved all around the filed. As a potential WR3, he also has the potential to be used as a flex tight end in sub-packages in the right system.
Although Wilson comes with flaws, if he runs a sub 4.5 second forty as expected during the NFL Combine he could be selected earlier than projected.
*GAMES WATCHED*
9/23/23 vs Clemson, 10/7 vs Va Tech, 10/21 vs Duke, 11/11 vs Miami, 11/25 vs Florida
**CLICK CARD BELOW FOR MORE SCOUTING REPORTS**
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