Donovan Wilson, hidden gem?

[buybuydandavis]

Not many of the draft resources seem to think much of Mr. Wilson, however Frank Coyle of Draft Insiders Digest loves him. He's his hidden gem of this safety class. Frank's a lifer with legit skins on the wall so it's nice to see this.

Here's the write up. Even has him in the top 10 at the position.

-

NFL Premier Player - Harrison Smith
Blue Chip - Nasir Adderley
Blue Chip - Johnathan Abram
Blue Chip - Darnell Savage
Rising - Amani Hooker
Falling - Taylor Rapp
Underrated - Juan Thornhill
Overrated - Lukas Denis
Sleeper - Saquan Hampton
Boom/Bust - Zedrick Woods
Hidden Gem - Donovan Wilson
Over drafted - Deionte Thompson


9) Donovan Wilson #6
6-0 200 Texas A&M - Sp. 4.50

Hindu Theory: Sean Davis
Rating 78

Rangy, fifth year senior has been a key contributor on the Aggies’ defense, starting for three seasons. Made
a fine return from a 2017 injury to be a core starter for the talented Aggie defense. Former 3-star recruit
became an early contributor in sub packages and special team units. Started one game as a true freshman
before fulltime duty midway of his sophomore season. Missed the 2017 season with an opening day ankle
injury. Stepped into the starting lineup midway in 2015 as a nickel corner. Wiry physique with good
movement skills and overall athleticism. Aggressive alert playmaker with fine range and field speed that
clubs seek in a centerfielder. Displays fine read-react ability on underneath routes. Recognizes routes as
they are developing. Displays good vision for reading the QB and is a student of the game with good work
ethic and the film work to know his opponent's tendencies. Decisive attacker who does not shy away from
contact despite only average frame. Shows the agility to slip through the trash and take down runners.

Good awareness and ball-skills with the quickness to close on the ball at the catch point. Fine body control
with some impressive acrobatic diving plays. Flexible in the lower body and moves easily in the secondary
with quick change of direction. Flips his hips quickly with the ability to mirror down the field and his time at
nickel helped his coverage skills immensely. At times, looks good in his pedal and accelerates nicely out of
his breaks, losing little in transition with sound initial reads. In run support, he can at times use too sharp of
pursuit angles and miss runners. Gets out of control sometimes when breaking down to tackle on the move.
Despite good catch up speed, he can be put at a disadvantage if he takes many false steps. Sometimes
keeps his eyes on the QB too long and loses a step in coverage. Possesses the length, reach and speed
to turn and cover deep with his back to the QB. His matchup abilities with tight ends probably gets him
drafted. Tendency to be overly aggressive which causes him to give up some big plays, but his playmaking
and ball skills help him rack up his share of plays. Shows the makeup to start as single-high free safety and
make plays.

As a senior, he returned to the field from a season ending injury in the opening game of the
2017 seasons. For 2018, he started 12 games and made 66 tackles with 4.5 TFL, 1 FF, 2 sacks, 2 picks
and 3 PBU. As a junior in 2016, he started 7 games at nickel and made 59 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 1 interception
and 3 PBU. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6’ and 199 lbs. with 33 3/8” arms and did 18 reps. He did
not run, but added a 36” VL and a 10’7” BJ with no agility drills. Finished with good positional drills. At his
pro day, he did a 38.5” VL and 6.94 three cone. Maintains sound positioning to play the back quarter with
the skills to be a starting free safety. Aggressive developing centerfielder who can drop over the slot receiver
and matchup with tight ends. Needs refinement in his decision making to become a starting centerfielder.
Rising marginal top 150 prospect with well-rounded skill set to start in time. Major college sleeper and
excellent late value to become a total surprise. Very good for early package defense and coverage units.
Hidden gem in this group.

Draft Projection: 4th-5th Round

-

I ended up sending Frank an e-mail after reading that with the subject title "Cowboys!".

Odd that he loves him as a rangy FS when the rest of the world calls him a box safety but whatevs.

I think I read some article predicting that Wilson would be our starting SS before the year was out. And not for injury, just by beating out Heath and others.

I think it's likely he can take the in the box SS work from Heath, but doubt he takes over for Heath in deep zone. We're basically dying for someone to take over for Heath as in the box SS. Heath isn't good at it, and he's playing too many snaps besides. But Frazier couldn't take the job. Iloka looks like veteran depth. It's Wilson's for the taking.

But don't forget, Eric Berry still needs a job. He's got "I'm a Jerry Signing" written all over him.

 

[timb2]

 

[Floatyworm]

What's funny...I had him rated pretty high in my 2018 mock draft...then he decided to go back to school...then kind of disappeared. I think a lot of people may have thought he declared last year....then went undrafted...and wasn't even eligable. I know I completely forgot about him.

And just to add....I had a 3rd round grade on him in 2018.....So I think he could surprise. I think he's our dime safety @ the very least. It's going to come down to Kavon vs Wilson in my book...for a roster spot. And I think Wilson has better coverage skills.

I still want to know...how he slid through the cracks...and people forgot about him. There was a buzz about him in 2017-18...declaring early.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

" Frank Coyle of Draft Insiders Digest loves him. He's his hidden gem of this safety class. Frank's a lifer with legit skins on the wall so it's nice to see this. "

On the other hand, Walter Football, which I've read for years said:

"Donovan Wilson will likely get penalized for some helmet-to-helmet hits in the NFL, based on his playing style. Those hits, however, will likely come on special teams, as he doesn't seem good enough to be a defensive player. I'm not sure if he'll make the 53-man roster, so I'm not a fan of this choice. "

Is this what we've come to as Cowboys fans? Hoping a 6th rounder will turn out to be a "hidden gem"?

 

[KingintheNorth]

Is this what we've come to as Cowboys fans? Hoping a 6th rounder will turn out to be a "hidden gem"?

All teams hope guys drafted in the 6th round are hidden gems.

Counting on them is one thing, but hoping a guy that every team, including your team, has passed on 5 times is going to develop into a good player is universal.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

Walter Football is a complete joke. You sound like one too.

No need for insults, if you don't like Walter Football don't read it, and if you don't like my opinion, all you have to say is you don't agree.

I'm glad to discuss/argue topics, but you didn't do that...

 

[xwalker]

No need for insults, if you don't like Walter Football don't read it, and if you don't like my opinion, all you have to say is you don't agree.

I'm glad to discuss/argue topics, but you didn't do that...

@speedkilz88 is probably the closest poster to posting ALL facts and zero BS that exists here.

If you did something to irritate him, you probably need to re-evaluate what you said.

FYI - Walter at Walter Football hates the Cowboys. For years he had a "column" making fun of how Emmitt Smith talks.

He is an Eagles fan. You can look up Walter Cherepinsky.

Actually, it appears Walter is still doing his Emmitt Shtick:

https://www.BAN-INCOMING-IN-3-2-1/draft2019emmitt.php

 

[LACowboysFan1]

If you did something to irritate him, you probably need to re-evaluate what you said.

I made the first post, HE took the offensive and insulted me. I said nothing to him. Doesn't bother me, there is always somebody in the bunch who just likes to try to incite someone.

And as far as Water Football being anti-Cowboys, they can have a bias against Dallas and not have that as their whole reason for the site. And if Wilson is so great, why did 31 other teams pass him by for 5 rounds? To think a sixth rounder will beat out vets or other higher drafted players is a reach, there' aren't very many Tom Bradys out there. (Not saying someone thinks Wilson will turn out like Brady). Few sixth rounders make the league as a starter or top sub, as is often said "there's a reason they weren't drafted until the sixth round".

There's room for all viewpoints, for someone to resort to insults just shows they don't really want to discuss topics, just want to attract attention to themselves, mostly. That's cool as I said, doesn't bother me. I can report his post if I want to and he'll hear from the site if he does it too much, anyway...

 

[speedkilz88]

@speedkilz88 is probably the closest poster to posting ALL facts and zero BS that exists here.

If you did something to irritate him, you probably need to re-evaluate what you said.

FYI - Walter at Walter Football hates the Cowboys. For years he had a "column" making fun of how Emmitt Smith talks.

He is an Eagles fan. You can look up Walter Cherepinsky.

Actually, it appears Walter is still doing his Emmitt Shtick:

https://www.BAN-INCOMING-IN-3-2-1/draft2019emmitt.php

I just have little tolerance for guys who down our players or draft picks without knowing anything about the players and then quote Walter Football on why they are right. I think troll whenever that happens.

 

[xwalker]

I made the first post, HE took the offensive and insulted me. I said nothing to him. Doesn't bother me, there is always somebody in the bunch who just likes to try to incite someone.

And as far as Water Football being anti-Cowboys, they can have a bias against Dallas and not have that as their whole reason for the site. And if Wilson is so great, why did 31 other teams pass him by for 5 rounds? To think a sixth rounder will beat out vets or other higher drafted players is a reach, there' aren't very many Tom Bradys out there. (Not saying someone thinks Wilson will turn out like Brady). Few sixth rounders make the league as a starter or top sub, as is often said "there's a reason they weren't drafted until the sixth round".

There's room for all viewpoints, for someone to resort to insults just shows they don't really want to discuss topics, just want to attract attention to themselves, mostly. That's cool as I said, doesn't bother me. I can report his post if I want to and he'll hear from the site if he does it too much, anyway...

If you take an honest look at your statement:
Is this what we've come to as Cowboys fans? Hoping a 6th rounder will turn out to be a "hidden gem"?

You would see that it comes across as a trollish type comment.

I don't think anybody said we are depending on Wilson.

There are some reasons to like the pick more than most people did initially including myself.

The way he was used in college and the fact that he missed the 2017 season limited his stats and notoriety in college.

The way that Kris Richard uses DBs also changes the way specific skills are valued as compared to some other teams. SS Kam Chancellor became an All-Pro in the Kris Richards scheme but him a his 4.69 forty wouldn't have been valued in many other schemes.

The Cowboys made it to the the division round of the playoffs last year with Woods/Heath as the Safeties. Both of those players remain plus they have Iloka who several years of starting experience. They also have D.Thompson who was the Giants starting FS in 2017 but has SS size and tackling ability.

They are not depending on D.Wilson. Even if he looks really good in training camp they'll likely ease him into action as the season progresses with a few snaps per game much like they did with Woods in 2017.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

If you take an honest look at your statement:
Is this what we've come to as Cowboys fans? Hoping a 6th rounder will turn out to be a "hidden gem"?

You would see that it comes across as a trollish type comment.

I don't think anybody said we are depending on Wilson.

There are some reasons to like the pick more than most people did initially including myself.

The way he was used in college and the fact that he missed the 2017 season limited his stats and notoriety in college.

The way that Kris Richard uses DBs also changes the way specific skills are valued as compared to some other teams. SS Kam Chancellor became an All-Pro in the Kris Richards scheme but him a his 4.69 forty wouldn't have been valued in many other schemes.

The Cowboys made it to the the division round of the playoffs last year with Woods/Heath as the Safeties. Both of those players remain plus they have Iloka who several years of starting experience. They also have D.Thompson who was the Giants starting FS in 2017 but has SS size and tackling ability.

They are not depending on D.Wilson. Even if he looks really good in training camp they'll likely ease him into action as the season progresses with a few snaps per game much like they did with Woods in 2017.

My comment was not trolling, if someone took it that way, then that's their interpretation. I didn't get any comment from any of the administrators telling me that. I posed a question, that's all. If it was incorrect, all somebody has to do is say so.

But let's say it was, regardless the site rules clearly prohibit personal insults, I'm glad to discuss the Cowboys, as an over 50 year fan I have earned that right.
Rudeness accomplishes nothing good....

 

[LACowboysFan1]

I just have little tolerance for guys who down our players or draft picks without knowing anything about the players and then quote Walter Football on why they are right. I think troll whenever that happens.

I didn't down the player, I was just noting that sixth rounders aren't likely to become top players, and if we have to hope for unusual cases like that isn't a lot of hope.

Let's wait and see what happens, if he supplants Heath or somebody else and is a better player, that's great, but not likely....

 

[quickccc]

I like this pick. He plays with aggression and violence and gets turnovers. If he can be taught better coverage technique, we could have something.

i admit that i was totally in the dark with this pick and felt it was another one of those McClay like kevon frazier value board where here's a special teamer who they hope can amount to a sleeper gem pick.

the way Wilson was directing players and lining them up n OTAs tells me he may already has a great deal better feel for coverage schemes and passsing game than the always seemingly lost Frazier.
The highlights of his hard nose tackling and run support of course makes hi look promising, but we'll get a better observation of him in training camp and preseason games.

i'm looking for ball hawk skills, football IQ, sure tackling and ability to match up in coverage in the safety role.

 

[speedkilz88]

Could This Rookie Safety Push For Snaps?

“He’s a really physical guy – that’s what leaps off the tape at you. We see him as a strong safety – a guy down around the line of scrimmage for us. He has the physical traits. He’s big. He’s fast. That physicalness was the trait that really jumped out to us, and he has a really good understanding of the game. His football intelligence is excellent; his aptitude to play is all really good. He has a good feel for playing. We think he can pick things up quickly and get in here and compete and make the safety position that much better.”- Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett


Bryan Broaddus’ Take: Wilson will have his hands full in order to make the squad. The one advantage that he does have is that front offices will try and protect their drafts and keep a player on the roster that might not be ready but they just don’t want to lose him to another team on the final cut down. The example of this is how they kept Rico Gathers even though he wasn’t ready to play. That’s a suitable decision only if your roster isn’t very deep and that’s not the case at all here. Wilson is in a battle with several veteran players including Kavon Frazier, George Iloka and Darian Thompson. Frazier is a big-time special teamer, while Iloka and Thompson have made starts in the league and have that experience. From my experience, rookies can have a bad day or two, but a week’s worth and a bad preseason game or two could land them off the roster. Wilson is super talented, so consistency will be the key for him.

 

[KingintheNorth]

I love the Cowboy fans who think Wilson won't make it because he was a 6th round pick.

Kavon Frazier? 6th round pick.
Xavier Woods? 6th round pick.
Jeff Heath? Undrafted.

Yep, no way Wilson can compete with those guys.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

I love the Cowboy fans who think Wilson won't make it because he was a 6th round pick.

I for one wasn't saying he couldn't make the team, just that it's not likely he'll be a starter or another superstar like Brady or some other 6th rounders. Most 6th rounders don't make it.

I like underdogs, was a big fan of Bill Bates, for example.

Just don't intend get too excited until he gets on the field....

 

[AsthmaField]

I love the Cowboy fans who think Wilson won't make it because he was a 6th round pick.

Kavon Frazier? 6th round pick.
Xavier Woods? 6th round pick.
Jeff Heath? Undrafted.

Yep, no way Wilson can compete with those guys.

Anthony Brown? 6th round pick.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

Other 6th round picks, in the 5 years prior to this year (In 2014 and 2015, no 6th round pick, but there were 5th round picks, should be even more likely to be good, so including them)

2017 - Marquez White - no longer on the team
2016 - Rico Gathers - bust, by most here.
2015 - Ryan Russell - no longer on the team.
2014 - Devin Street - no longer on the team.

And what of the others mentioned, like Frazier? Let's see, 3 years, grand total of 60 tackles, average 1.25 a game, one sack. Part time player.

Haven't seen anybody post "this/that guy won't make the team", if there have been some I'd like to see them.

Nice to see the underdogs do well, but if they supplant your 1st or 2nd or such draftees, then you've wasted that 1st or 2nd round pick, and nobody likes that....

 

[quickccc]

I'll have to somewhat disagree.

Discount Version of Ngata
You can't get a Ngata in his prime by trading a mid-round pick.
If you get a discount version of Ngata, then it's likely a run stopper that comes out in obvious passing situations.

Offensives have Evolved
NFL offenses have evolved and have limited the impact of DTs that require double-team blocks.

Zone Run Blocking
In the past, a discount version of Ngata was often a tub-of-lard type DT.
The Zone Running scheme made the tub-of-lard type DTs obsolete.
They can't flow down the line as required to defend Zone runs, and impede their teammates.

Get big DTs chasing
Offenses will often run away from the big/slow DTs and only use 1 blocker on them for those plays.
This will get those DTs "chasing" and they'll wear down.

Modern DTs cover a lot of ground
Most fans would be surprised by how often DTs get outside or downfield on tackles.

Very Few Massive DTs that are elite
There are very few that are both massive and can cover ground as needed in the modern NFL.

I can get my critical pass rushes vs the 2 minute warning hurry up from my bookend ends and 3 tech, and a key nickel interior guy.

But that 1 tech that is going to be that dominant vs the run where he changes the dynamics of how teams can’t run like they want, then he’s a difference maker.
If they have to alter their run attack into edge sweeps or mis-directions, because my elite run stuffer is shutting down the interior middle run, then he’s making a big difference.

If Damon " Snack" Harrison was in his prime, would he be on a Marinelli DL ? Nope. I don’t think so.
He’s not a quick twitch preference. His game isn’t based off movement but more bulk and power.
- He won’t move much, .. but he also won’t be moved either.

Yes, you may have take those type one dimension guys out at the 2 minute hurry pass attacks because that pace will easily tire them and don’t have the rush factor to sack at end games.
But whereas they have a minus,. They also have pluses and their strengths ..they dominate the line vs the run to where they change what you want to do in your run blocking schemes.

Even if we did play zone block scheme (ala 2016 and 2017),.. we could not re-direct that particular guy at the point of attack so we had to find other ways because we can’t redirect them, we
have to re-direct our run game around them because I recalling Snack even tossing both Martin and Fredrick aside.

I thought I saw one recent post making a reference to just 3 or 5 tackles per game for a DT, - just as I always hear those that saying stats don’t lie, but with those kind of guys and their role
It’s not prominent on tackling the ball carrier, it’s more for him to occupying and clogging up the run lanes successfully, draw double teams because it makes it so difficult for one blocker,
and of course, it frees up the traffic for LB tacklers

 

[xwalker]

I can get my critical pass rushes vs the 2 minute warning hurry up from my bookend ends and 3 tech, and a key nickel interior guy.

But that 1 tech that is going to be that dominant vs the run where he changes the dynamics of how teams can’t run like they want, then he’s a difference maker.
If they have to alter their run attack into edge sweeps or mis-directions, because my elite run stuffer is shutting down the interior middle run, then he’s making a big difference.

If Damon " Snack" Harrison was in his prime, would he be on a Marinelli DL ? Nope. I don’t think so.
He’s not a quick twitch preference. His game isn’t based off movement but more bulk and power.
- He won’t move much, .. but he also won’t be moved either.

Yes, you may have take those type one dimension guys out at the 2 minute hurry pass attacks because that pace will easily tire them and don’t have the rush factor to sack at end games.
But whereas they have a minus,. They also have pluses and their strengths ..they dominate the line vs the run to where they change what you want to do in your run blocking schemes.

Even if we did play zone block scheme (ala 2016 and 2017),.. we could not re-direct that particular guy at the point of attack so we had to find other ways because we can’t redirect them, we
have to re-direct our run game around them because I recalling Snack even tossing both Martin and Fredrick aside.

I thought I saw one recent post making a reference to just 3 or 5 tackles per game for a DT, - just as I always hear those that saying stats don’t lie, but with those kind of guys and their role
It’s not prominent on tackling the ball carrier, it’s more for him to occupying and clogging up the run lanes successfully, draw double teams because it makes it so difficult for one blocker,
and of course, it frees up the traffic for LB tacklers

Snacks in his prime was awesome.

(I say "was" because I didn't watch him much in 2018).

He was extremely quick for a big man.

The amount of tackles he made outside the Tackle box and out near the sidelines was incredible for any DL but even more incredible considering he was about 350 pounds.

I recommend anybody reviewing some of his game footage.

Snacks was likely quicker than A.Woods is now. He could easily play on Marinelli's DL. The issue is that they probably wouldn't have paid him (5 years 46.2M, signed in 2016).

Snacks and Poe are the quickest 340+ DL I recall watching). Quicker than many that are right around 300 even.