Draft Profile - Jimmy Wilkerson

[crizpynutz]

Jimmy Wilkerson
DE, Oklahoma
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 271 lbs
40-yard: 4.90

Strengths: Is quick, active and athletic. Is most comfortable when on the move in the open field. Has good speed. Gets upfield well and makes plays in the backfield. Never stops hustling. Chases down many plays. Shows an explosive first step as a pass rusher. Shows more quickness than pure speed. Is relentless. Changes directions quickly. Can work outside-in. Has good closing quickness and some big-play flair as a tackler.

Weaknesses: Must add bulk and strength. Needs to use hands better to disengage from offensive tackles. Gets overwhelmed at the point of attack when reached vs. the run. Also has trouble when reached on the pass rush. Hasn't developed enough moves and uses hands poorly. Lacks both elite speed and great instincts. Frequently gets out of position by getting too far upfield. Shows inconsistent technique. Lacks a great feel for the position.

Bottom line: Wilkerson, a converted linebacker, was a productive college pass rusher, but he must add 10-to-15 pounds and continue to get stronger before he can contribute in the NFL. He is worth a Day 2 pick because of his potential and playmaking skills, but he won't be much more than a special teams player or situational pass rusher as a rookie.

Dan Pompei analysis
Athletic junior had a nice Combine workout. Hustles non-stop and can disrupt offenses. Lacks top speed and strength, however. Needs to get off blocks better. Doesn’t make enough plays. Former linebacker.

[daraydaz]

Sounds like some of the guys we have getting caught out of position but I like his intensity and determination. Could be a good project type depending on what round we pick him up.

[Mr.Murder]

A Third round at tops, the guy is what we have already, a Rod Coleman type who needs to gain weight, he wouldnt get reps Rod already did the same thing.
That being said this fan thinks there should be no dropoff in either attributes or ability on the bench. A player with similar chracteristics that needs to address their weaknesses and use their strentghs in same fashion has a perfect role model in what already have.
This guy or Banta-Cain very similar, Wilkerson better jump, bata better top end, both guys very similar to what we have in Nap Harris and Rod Coleman...
Wilkerson seems to be a Sapp type of dt, speed and quickness who nees to win the physical battles more. The trend is speed on D line I think he goes early three somewhere.
Wouldnt put it past Dungy to get this guy he has good numbers for limited reps at dt, can also play lb if need be similar physical attributes to Petersen who left to the Jags...

[Karl]

I'm starting to think that with Bryant probably not coming back we should draft 2 DE's. I would rather get a run stuffing FA DE and a pass rushing speedster in round one, but who knows what will be available 6/1. Maybe one could be more of a DL/DE tweener. I wouldn't mind having both our first rounders be DE's, a run stuffer and a speed rusher.