Muhammad Wilkerson Scouting Report

Muhammad Wilkerson is one of the best defensive tackles that most people in the country have never heard of. The 6-5, 305 pound junior has been a huge part of the Temple turnaround. As a freshman in 2008, Wilkerson did not see too much playing time, but he tallied 2.5 tackles-for-loss and one sack. More impressively, Wilkerson got his hands up and broke up four passes. In 2009 Wilkerson totaled 10.5 tackles-for-loss and 7.0 sacks. Wilkerson did a superb job getting into the backfield and wreaking havoc against every Mid-American Conference opponent. Even when Wilkerson was not getting to the quarterback, he was making tackles and stuffing the run. He ended the season with 61 tackles, which is quite impressive for a defensive lineman.

The 2010 campaign has been even more impressive. Wilkerson is third on the team with 70 tackles with a bowl game yet to play. Once again, tallying that many tackles is nearly unheard of and his ability to stuff the run makes him one of the most dangerous defensive tackles.

When Wilkerson is not stuffing the run, he is still getting into the backfield. This season he has 13.0 tackles-for-loss and 9.5 sacks. There is not much else Wilkerson can do to improve his NFL stock. He has been relatively consistent over the last two years and could very easily be a second or third round selection if he opts to go pro early.

2/10 Update: Temple did not earn a bowl bid, so Wilkerson ended his junior campaign with 70 tackles, 13.0 tackles-for-loss and 9.5 sacks. He lost out on his chance to show his stuff in a bowl game, but that will not matter too much once he gets the opportunity to perform in front of scouts during Temple's pro day and at the NFL Combine. If he works out as well as expected, Wilkerson should be a second round selection.