Safe pick: Wyoming LB earns rave reviews for tackling, coverage abilities

Aside from his 40-yard dash time, there’s nothing about Wyoming linebacker Logan Wilson that stands out. Most of his testing results at the Combine are in the 40th- to upper-50th percentile.

But there was nothing average about Wilson’s college production.

The 6-foot-2, 241 pound senior closed out his career with 409 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 5 forced fumbles and 4 fumble recoveries.

But those stats aren’t as impressive as this line: Wilson also had 10 interceptions in his four-year career, including four as a senior. He also had with 14 passes defensed.

By comparison, Ohio State’s Jeffrey Okudah, the No. 1 cornerback prospect, had 9 passes defensed in 2019, compared to Wilson’s 7, and he had fewer INTs with 3.

From NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:

“Ultra-productive three-year team captain with instincts and cover talent to find work as an every-down linebacker. His play recognition, burst and lateral agility help him play faster than his timed speed and his fundamentals as a tackler are as good as you’ll find in this draft. Wilson needs more consistency of approach at taking on blocks and it may take him a minute to adjust to NFL game speed. He should be a core special teams member early, but possesses the tangibles and intangibles to become a productive pro as an inside or SAM (strong-side) linebacker.”

Wyoming’s @ljw21 is an intriguing prospect that could see similar production early on in his NFL career much like @fred_warner (242 tackles in 1st 2 szns)

Wilson flashes great instincts and coverage ability, two vitals for the LB position. Both @seniorbowl alums! @JimNagy_SB pic.twitter.com/jCwZqt333T

— Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) April 4, 2020

According to Pro Football Focus, Wilson earned a 90.6 run-defense grade, an 87.3 pass-rushing grade and an 81.9 coverage grade this past season.

He’s currently seen as a third-round prospect by several analysts, including Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Hanson and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. Here’s what Brugler said about Wilson in his recently released NFL draft guide:

“With his top-level diagnose skills, Wilson is a tackling machine due to his break down ability and sound technique in the open field, mirroring with range. He rarely came off the field and as a former high school cornerback, he looks comfortable in reverse with natural ball skills.”

As passing offenses become increasingly complex, those tackling and coverage skills will prove invaluable – a big reason why, as a third-round, Wilson is the definition of a safe pick.

Jake Rigdon (jake@sydwriting.com) covers the NFL draft for Fanspeak and the On The Clock, which is the only NFL draft simulator that allows you to customize and use your own big board while giving you control over trades.