2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report: De’Runnya Wilson, WR, Mississippi State

Sep 26, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs receiver De

There is no greater commodity in modern pro football than wide receivers. None more so than big ones. The bigger they are, the more attention they get. So expect Mississippi State standout De’Runnya Wilson to get plenty of camera time.  So what does his 2016 NFL draft scouting report have to say.

Position: WR

School: Mississippi State

Year: Junior

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 215 lbs

History:

Wilson has stood out since high school. Not only was he a prominent football player but also helped his basketball team to three-straight state titles. Though he had offers from several prominent schools, he chose Mississippi State in part because he could also play for their basketball team.

Last year he was a big part of the Bulldogs having such a good season that culminated in an Orange Bowl berth, a game where Wilson played very well (9 catches, 2 touchdowns). So far in 2015 he’s on pace to have the best numbers of his college career with 33 catches for 524 yards and six touchdowns. Considering how much his team runs the ball, those stats can be deceiving.

STRENGTHS:

• Size stands out immediately. Not only tall, but big with long arms. Can box out defenders on cross and comeback routes.
• Good body control and strong hands to make tough catches look easy.

The true mark of a good receiver is one who can clean up inaccurate throws from their quarterback. Not every one is perfect, like this one from Dak Prescott. See how Wilson gets his head around, tracks the ball and shows the body control and hands to reach back and get it. Some would call that a back shoulder throw, something they do a ton of in the NFL. Given his size, Wilson would become an inviting target in those situations.

• Maintains good concentration even when he juggles a pass to corral it and then has presence of mind to know where first down/goal line is and reach for it.
• A willing blocker who gets good position and uses his size and length to his advantage.

WEAKNESSES:

• Bit of a long strider. Needs to build up a head of steam before reaching top speed.
• Has a tendency to let the ball into his body. Not using long arms and hands to full effect.

While this play is a completed pass, take a look at the progression. It may seem easy, and it is since it’s college but Wilson shows his lack of mechanical discipline both in his wild footwork on the route and also letting the ball into his chest. Plays like that become incompletions or drops against NFL secondaries.

• Not the biggest vertical threat. There is speed but his route running and limited acceleration makes it hard to showcase.

Pro Comparison: Kelvin Benjamin

From a production standpoint, eventual 1st round pick Kelvin Benjamin was a much more proven player. His fundamentals were cleaner as well. Still, Wilson has a lot of the same physical qualities from the size to the length, ball skills and deceptive speed. He has that knack for making the key catches for first downs and touchdowns.

Projection: 3rd to 4th rounds

Receivers of those dimensions and athletic ability are highly coveted amongst NFL teams, so don’t expect De’Runnya Wilson to last beyond the 4th round at the absolute latest. Too much talent for teams to pass by.