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2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Howard Wilson, CB, Houston

By Russell Brown

Sep 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars cornerback Howard Wilson (6) reacts after recovering a fumble against the Oklahoma Sooners in the second half at NRG Stadium. Houston Cougars won 33 to 23. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars cornerback Howard Wilson (6) reacts after recovering a fumble against the Oklahoma Sooners in the second half at NRG Stadium. Houston Cougars won 33 to 23. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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When it comes to the 2017 NFL Draft, there might not be a better group of players than the defensive backs. We could see record numbers when it comes to players drafted within the group. One name that really stands out is Howard Wilson!

Graduating from DeSoto High School in 2014, Howard Wilson was going to play college football. But where? Three colleges showed some serious interest towards him and they were Louisiana Tech, SMU and Houston. After much consideration, Wilson made a verbal commitment to Louisiana Tech but then chose to de-commit. By doing so, he then signed onto play for the Houston Cougars.

Immediately playing as a freshman, Wilson made an impact. He played in 12 games and recorded 48 tackles with three interceptions. Much of college football was expecting him to get even better his sophomore year but a torn ACL prevented that.

However, Wilson bounced back for the 2016 season. He finished with 54 tackles, 5 interceptions and 10 pass deflections. This past season he displayed strong man coverage with even better ball skills. The upside for him to become a starting cornerback in the NFL is there.

Strengths:

  • Good size at 6’1 and 185 lbs.
  • Natural ball skills and hip rotation.
  • Excellent closer when coming back to the football.
  • Looks like a fluid athlete when playing on the outside.
  • Plays with good anticipation in both man and zone coverage.

Weaknesses:

  • Adding some bulk to his frame could do wonders for him against bigger receivers and at tackling.
  • Isn’t afraid to come up and tackle but needs to wrap-up.
  • Missed most of the 2015 season with a torn ACL.

Overall:

Once Howard Wilson reaches the next level, he should become a serviceable number two cornerback. The ability to play as a nickel is there but he will struggle with more elusive players in the open field. He has shown that he can play on the outside and I think that’s what he’ll do.

At the Scouting Combine, Wilson didn’t test with elite athleticism but he did test well. He had a 40-yard dash time of 4.57 seconds, 33 1/2 inch vertical jump and a 20-yard shuttle time of 3.94 seconds. Fluid athletic ability is shown every time he’s on a football field.

It would be surprising to see Howard Wilson drafted on the first day of the draft. There is much consideration that he’ll go on the second day of the draft, though. There’s a chance he climbs into the second round but I’ve got a third round grade on him and think that’s where he’ll go.

In that third round range, Wilson should draw some interest from plenty of teams. With my pro comparison being Curtis Brown (Texas — 2011 NFL Draft), I could see the Pittsburgh Steelers being an ideal fit for him. I also think that Wilson could stay in the state of Texas, as the Cowboys and Texans have need at cornerback.

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