E.J. Wilson Scouting Report

E.J. Wilson is not the most athletic or fastest or strongest defensive end out there (as his showing at the NFL Combine has shown), but he is very tough and tenacious. After spot duty as a freshman, Wilson stepped into the starting lineup as a sophomore. During that season he tallied 44 tackles, 9.5 tackles-for-loss and 5.0 sacks. His junior campaign was relatively disappointing compared to the promise he showed as an underclassman. However, Wilson stepped up his game as a senior and totaled 49 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. Wilson's lack of explosiveness at the point of attack is a huge problem. He is already putting on some weight, but that will just expose his lack of quickness and speed even more. But what he lacks in natural skills, he makes up for with instincts and technique. Yet, the NFL loves a player who has physical abilities. Technique can be taught, athleticism cannot. That will move Wilson down to the fifth or sixth round at best, but he is the type of player who can immediately step onto the field, learn the system and play tough football. He may never be a star, but Wilson is capable of playing right away and being a relatively productive defensive end off the bench.