Rookie Spotlight: Michael Wilson, Stanford
Height: 6-1 1/2″
Weight: 216
Hands: 9 ⅞”
Arm: 31”
40 yard dash: 4.59
Age: 23
NFL Comparison: Michael Floyd, Gabriel Davis
Breakout Age: 19 (sophomore)

Offensive Market Share Metrics (Final Season)
Receptions: 9%
Receiving Yards: 14%
Receiving TDs: 27%
Total Production Percentage: 17%

As a high school prospect: Class of 2018; 4-star

Pros
Prototypical build for an X receiver
Displays suddenness in his movement
Creates separation with ease in tight spaces
Adjusts to the ball well
Elite ball tracking skills
Large soft hands
Shifty after the catch
Deceptive long speed
Effective blocker
2023 RosterWatch All-Senior Bowl team
Broke out at a young age

Cons
Season ending injuries in 2020 and 2022
Some superfluous footwork
Upright running style
Was not productive in final season

Scouting Notes:
You probably hadn’t heard of Wilson before his Senior Bowl breakout, but that’s okay. He’ll forgive you, as he’s a high character guy, but he probably won’t let you forget. A 4-star recruit out of highschool, Wilson had almost 3,000 yards and 28 TDs over his last 3 seasons, and that’s significant considering that he had season ending injuries in 2020 and 2022. His injury history is the biggest obstacle in the way of Wilson’s draft day success, but there are a plethora of reasons to overlook it. One of these is his powerful build, paired with dynamic movement and the body control of a smaller, more lithe receiver. Wilson can make himself small and spry in tight spaces, creating separation where there previously was none. And because of his big body and athleticism, when he releases or makes a cut he gains a lot of ground in the process and widens the space between him and the defender. A QB’s bestie, Wilson adjusts quickly and aptly to off-target balls. And the best part is that he’s often able to keep the play going after the catch, not so much with his power though he’s greedy at the catch point, but more so with his ability to evade tackles and propel himself forward. He’s got an upright running style, but Wilson chooses his angles wisely and always seems to be aware of where he is on the field of play. As a blocker, Wilson is ready and willing, offering effective protection, though he could use more of that play strength when he has the ball in his hands.

Fantasy Outlook:
The elephant in the room is Wilson’s extensive injury history. He doesn’t seem like a brittle guy, but his freaky athleticism paired with his bulky build could be a curse, as much as it is a blessing. Having two seasons ended by injury is not insignificant, but the silver lining is that he seems no worse for the wear. Wilson was one of the busiest guys at the Senior Bowl, at practice and during the game. Some team is going to risk him hurting himself again for the loads of upside he offers otherwise. Wilson is built like an X but can play out of the slot effectively, and his uncanny ability to create separation in tight spaces makes him an asset in the red zone. No longer an obscure player from a hifalutin school, Wilson’s stock is skyrocketing. Should he have a decent Combine, it’s going to be tough to get him outside of the first two rounds in dynasty drafts, but he looks to be worth it.