Quote:
Originally Posted by cdcox
Ironic because this time last year Russel Wilson wasn't anywhere near the caliber of someone like Russel Wilson.
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Yes and no. Some thought he looked great but for his height:
Russell Wilson is quite the intriguing quarterback prospect in the 2012 NFL Draft class.
He threw for over 11,000 yards with 109 touchdowns and only 30 interceptions during his time with the North Carolina State Wolfpack and Wisconsin Badgers.
He demonstrated great decision making, a strong, accurate arm, quick delivery and tremendous scrambling ability in his illustrious collegiate career.
The only knock on Wilson—and it's a major one—is his lack of ideal NFL quarterback height.
He measured a shade below 5'11'' at the Senior Bowl earlier this week.
However, once Wilson put the pads on and stepped on the field, he impressed nearly all the draft experts and scouting onlookers.
Bleacher Report's NFL Draft expert Matt Miller, tweeted the following about Wilson's showing in Mobile.
Despite his smaller size, Wilson has always been able to drive the football and make all the throws. He was a 2010 draft pick of the Colorado Rockies as a second baseman. His baseball background proves he's a stellar all-around athlete with a good arm.
At the NFL level, many point to the fact that Wilson may struggle mightily seeing over bigger offensive lines.
It's an old scouting phrase used against many smaller signal-callers entering the pro ranks. Wilson's situation is different.
Last season with the Badgers, he wasn't exactly throwing behind the smallest line in the country. In fact, it was one of the biggest from left tackle to right tackle. They averaged over 6'5'' and 322 pounds.
Due to their mammoth overall size and the talented running back Montee Ball, the 2011 Badgers were a run-first club, but Wilson didn't have many issues throwing over them, as evidenced by his 33 touchdowns, four interceptions and 72.8 completion percentage.
That's not to say all of his throws came from the pocket. He was utilized on a variety of bootlegs and roll-outs and demonstrated great accuracy throwing on the run.
If he's used in a similar system in the NFL, the athletic, smart and big-armed Wilson has the potential to be successful on Sundays.
Then again, Russ Lande said "Wilson did not fare as well at the Senior Bowl. It started off badly when he measured under 5-11, and then he struggled with accuracy throughout the week. He showed good mechanics to get rid of the ball quickly and a very strong arm to make every NFL throw without a problem. However, teams can’t ignore his height and lack of consistency as a pocket passer. He likely won’t be drafted because his performance this week showed that he will be, at best, a backup quarterback in the NFL."