Redskins 7-round mock with the team selecting an offensive lineman first
Caleb Wilson is a sleeper at the tight end position. While he hasn’t gotten as much attention as his other counterparts, Wilson is a strong receiver and should be a big-time playmaker at the NFL level. Landing him in the late third-round is a steal.
Wilson was one of the better receiving threats at the tight end position over the course of the last two years. In 11 games in 2018, Wilson logged 60 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns, all career-high numbers. He did this despite UCLA’s general struggled in their first season under Chip Kelly.
When Wilson was paired with a legitimate pro quarterback, Josh Rosen, in 2017, the results were incredible. In the team’s season opener against Texas A&M, Wilson was unstoppable. In that contest, Wilson caught 15 passes for a ridiculous 208 yards in UCLA’s come-from-behind victory over the Aggies. Wilson really helped to spark the Bruins’ offense and did a lot to help them generate yardage in their late-game drives.
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Wilson has excellent route-running skills. Against A&M, he was able to consistently find open space and gain leverage using outside moves. And that was in just his sophomore season. He has continued to grow and may end up flourishing in the NFL. He is a natural receiver and has good blocking technique as well.
The only concern with Wilson at the NFL level is that he doesn’t have a lot of strength or mass on his 6-4 frame. He’ll need to add to that in order to stay on the field in a blocking role. However, he can’t lose too much quickness either, as he doesn’t have great athletic ability. He is able to win with technique and route-running, so he can’t slow down. Otherwise, he may struggle to gain separation.
Wilson would be a perfect fit as a backup tight end for the Redskins. He could bulk up for a year behind Jordan Reed before ultimately taking over. Jeremy Sprinkle could take on more of a blocking role in this case. That would seem to be an ideal construction for the team’s future at the position.