NFL Combine 2013: Washington State’s Marquess Wilson Needs Good Show

Sept. 22, 2012; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Marquess Wilson (86) looks towards the sideline against the Colorado Buffaloes during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the 2012 season Cougar WR Marquees Wilson looked to have it all. He was named to the Sports Illustrated Preseason All Pac-12 team as well as the SI preseason All American second team.

He also received  preseason first team All American honors from CBSsports.com as well as Sporting News. He would be a three year starter as a Junior and through his first two season had amassed 137 catches, 2,394 receiving yards and 18 td’s.

It was clear to anyone who had watched Marquess play that 2013 was going to be his final season as a Washington State Cougar. In fact, ESPN’s Todd McShay had projected him to be a 1st round pick going number 32 to the Patriots in a mock draft last May. However, no one thought Wilson’s career at WSU would be over just 9 games into the 2012 season.

In the week leading up to Washington State’s home game against UCLA on November 10th Wilson walked out on the team during an evening practice. His reason at the time; alleged abuse by the coaching staff.  During separate investigation’s by WSU and the Pac-12 Wilson recanted his allegations and the staff was cleared of any wrong doing.

Despite the eventual findings surrounding Wilson’s departure from the team his decision to walk out and blame the coaching staff in such a way destroyed his draft stock and possibly his future in the NFL.

By the numbers Marquess Wilson proved through 33 college games that he has the athletic ability to compete in the NFL. At 6’4 and 185 pounds he has the prototypical NFL body and possess above average hands. Heading into the 2012 season his speed was his only liability but could have easily overcome that with a sub 4.5 at the combine. But now with the self created controversy his 40 time will be even more of liability if he cant get it down to the 4.4 range or lower.

In the end, it will be his one one interviews with NFL teams front office and coaching staff that will determine his draft chances. If he can convince just one team that he made a mistake, learned from it and is determined to prove that he is worth the chance he will get drafted.

If he can’t do that, the numbers he puts up this week in Indianapolis wont matter and his NFL future will hinge upon undrafted free agency on April 27th.