Marquess Wilson and the NFL: Detroit Lions

Marquess’ first two seasons at Washington State were undeniable and he looked destined to be at least a high day 2 pick going into 2012. But his final season was one of ups and downs before walking away from his team with just 3 games remaining. The character questions are there and on top of that there is an inconsistency concern going into April’s NFL Draft.

In 2012 MQW only caught more than 5 passes in a game twice, against Oregon (12 for 182, 1 td) and Utah (9 for 100). Also, he only caught passes for more than 100 yards 3 times (adding a 110 yard, 2 td performance vs UNLV). In the early stages of the season, some of this was attributed to penalties calling back several big gains and at least 3 touchdowns if memory serves. But more often times it was a pure lack of concentration that kept Wilson from big numbers in games, as he dropped several passes that were destined for big yards.

Regardless, Marquess Wilson is a natural big play talent who could really excel in the NFL if put into the right situation with a coach, receiving mentor and quarterback who will teach him all about being a professional and work ethic at his position. We’re examining his chances, team by team on making the roster as is with no agenda towards who the team would take otherwise at the wide receiver position.

Detroit Lions

Oct 2, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson (81) catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against Dallas Cowboys safety Barry Church (42)and linebacker Sean Lee (50) at Cowboys Stadium. The Lions beat the Cowboys 34-30. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Stacked Against the Pick:

The Detroit Lions will not draft Marquess Wilson because…they have Calvin Johnson. Have you seen the humanoid known as “Megatron” play? Calvin Johnson needs no help. Calvin Johnson can run 4 routes at once. Calvin Johnson can catch a football in quadruple coverage.

In fact, I’m almost sure I once saw Calvin Johnson throw a pass, run through coverage, catch that same pass and at the last moment lateral the ball to himself for a TD! This guy abuses defenders like Lebron does a basketball rim!

No, the Detroit Lions will not draft Marquess Wilson because they have Calvin Freaking Johnson.

The Perfect Storm:

Megatron aside, the Lions need help at the wide receiver position. They started 2013 with Johnson, Nate Burleson and Titus Young at wide out. They ended the season with Megatron and a cardboard cutout of Megatron, lined up opposite of him.

Nate Burelson will be 32 when the season starts, which grants him grizzled veteran status and figures to contribute something similar to his 27 receptions in 2012. While playing Madden 13, Titus Young discovered he could edit his player ratings, changed them to Calvin Johnson’s, and proceeded to break every Madden record ever. Asked during his Madden bender what he thought of Megatron, he answered “I’m better than him” and was instantly released by Detroit.

2012 2^nd round pick Ryan Broyles showed signs of life late in the year and should contribute in 2013. The remaining 4 receivers on the roster accounted for just 17 receptions last season, none of whom are better than Wilson at this point. Regardless of Johnson’s super human abilities the Lions will need help at the receiver spot and taking a late round chance on a player like Marquess Wilson could pay off for them.

Being drafted by the Lions would allow Wilson to learn from vets such as Johnson and Burelson. Marquess could work on his game, grow in the weight room and adjust to the NFL without any pressure in his first couple of seasons. The Lions could be a good fit for Marquess Wilson.

Likelihood of Getting Drafted by Detroit:

Regardless of the apparent need at WR, Detroit has numerous holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball. With only 6 draft picks, can Detroit select for depth this year? Chances are they draft for need in 2013.

F (1^st through 4^th rounds)

B- (5^th through 7^th rounds)