Draft Profile: Tyler Wilson

A major problem the Chiefs faced in the 2012-2013 season was getting consistent play out of the quarterback position. While there are multiple free agent and trade options for Kansas City (to acquire a quarterback), sometimes the best option is starting fresh with a young rookie, and building him up into the face of the franchise. This post will center on Tyler Wilson, who has appeared to leapfrog Geno Smith as the Chiefs number one choice at quarterback.

Tyler Wilson:

(Image from www.BleacherReport.com)

Wilson's season was below average, as his team went 4-8, and Wilson had a worse season than the year before, so it is hard to see what could make him a possible number one overall pick. Well, a few things work out in his favor. First of all, despite having a down year, he was in no way bad. He completed over 60% of his passes, and had twenty-one interceptions to just thirteen turnovers.  Furthermore, he only took fourteen sacks, twelve less than the previous year, and that number is made all the more impressive considering that he plays in the SEC, the toughest conference in all of football.

Wilson threw for nearly 3,500 yards, but the question still remains, how could he be a better option that Geno Smith? His situation is unique, because in the 2011-2012 season, Wilson was named to the All-SEC team, and he was projected as the first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Wilson played through injuries and dealt with team members who did not always perform at their highest, leading his stats to suffer.

(Image from www.SBNation.com)

Wilson's stock has been on the rise as he has impressed many scouts at the practices for the Senior Bowl.  CBS Sports' Rob Rang noted that since becoming fully healthy Wilson has "showed better than expected accuracy on the move", adding that he was "hitting open targets deep right and shallow left" with precision and ease. The 6'2 quarterback from Arkansas certainly has the tangibles, and his skill is starting to shine, which could lead to him being drafted instead of Geno Smith, who had a phenomenal year in college.

(Image from www.BlackBloggers.WordPress.com)

Another thing that is in the favor of wilson is that he plays the position of quarterback, and he is entering a passing lead.  Historically speaking, teams overreach in the draft if they feel there is a quarterback of the future, and while Wilson may not have the talent of an Andrew Luck or Cam Newton (pictured above), he may be selected with that same number one overall pick. Wilson's performance in the Senior Bowl and the NFL Draft Combine will have great impact on where he is taken in the draft, but if Wilson's practices are any indication of where he is as a quarterback, then he may very well be worth the number one overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.