Marquess Wilson And The NFL: New England Patriots
CAREER STATS | RECEIVING | RUSHING | ||||||||
SEASON | REC | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | ATT | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD |
2012 | 52 | 813 | 15.6 | 81 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
2011 | 82 | 1388 | 16.9 | 85 | 12 | 3 | 10 | 3.3 | 11 | 0 |
2010 | 55 | 1006 | 18.3 | 83 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
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.
New England Patriots
Stacked Against the Pick:
Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the side line during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots have a lot of needs that they have to address this off-season and throughout the draft. As of right now they only have four draft picks for this upcoming draft, so this could be an issue for Wilson here if they don’t acquire some more.
The Patriots have to improve their secondary, especially if they aren’t able to resign Aqib Talib and Alfonzo Dennard ends up getting jail time. They may be in real need there. Thinking about it, they have four picks and would have to replace both of their starting corners.
Another huge concern could be possibly be cutting Brandon Lloyd, if indeed they do cut him there aren’t many receivers in free agency that i see them picking up to replace Lloyd.
That would almost force them to draft a wide receiver and he would be forced to play immediately and that could hurt the offense due to the fact that they wouldn’t have much time to learn the system and get on a good page with Tom Brady. That could be good for Wilson, or it could mean that they won’t be after a “project” player. Wilson is a great talent, but he certainly checks in as a project in the eyes of NFL scouts because of the way it ended in Pullman.
The Perfect Storm:
This would definitely be the type of offense that Marquess Wilson could thrive in. He would be able to learn from some very good coaches and one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. He’d be able to learn from Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, and Aaron Hernandez. By having those types of guys around him it could definitely help show him that he needs to be more focused and do everything he can to help out the team. This offense is very similar to the offense he ran at Washington State. This would be a plus for him as it would be a lot easier for him to learn the offense.
The Patriots have a huge problem at WR, they potentially have almost no receivers coming back as of right now which is extremely scary for a Patriots fan. If Marquess Wilson is available in the fourth round, they will have to strongly consider him if they haven’t drafted a wide receiver by then.
Likelihood Wilson Gets Drafted by New England:
The issue with him going to the Patriots is with Coach Bill Belichick if you don’t do it the “Patriot Way” you won’t last long. Just look at Brandon Lloyd, they didn’t like his attitude last season and he’s possibly going out the door very soon. Belichick has no problem getting rid of players that don’t fit his team or aren’t committed to the team.
B