Every draft pick that isn’t number one thinks they should’ve been drafted higher. For Marco Wilson, it’s a lot higher after he slid to the fourth round. A freshman starter at Florida, Wilson’s reputation was tainted only by a costly penalty incident against LSU in 2020.
Fast forward three months. The Arizona Cardinals jumped up to get Wilson via trade. Throughout minicamp, into training camp, Wilson has been a revelation. With Arizona’s cornerback depth still unclear, Wilson’s performances could see him not only make the roster but push for a role in the starting rotation in the upcoming season.
Marco Wilson Impresses in First Preseason Game, Pushes for Greater Role
Since coming into rookie mini-camp earlier in the off-season, Marco Wilson has been turning heads. His draft profiles projected true. Wilson has continually demonstrated the solid football technique and instincts that made him a star at Florida. His athleticism, a metric in which Wilson measured as one of the highest in the entire draft, has also been on full display as the off-season program rolls on.
Such has been his performances since the opening of training camp that Wilson has quickly worked his way into a position of some prevalence with Arizona. With projected starters Malcolm Butler and Robert Alford missing some time in training camp, Wilson has been reportedly running reps with the first-team defense in recent weeks.
Running reps with the first team have seen Wilson challenged by the Cardinals vaunted receiving corps. Star receiver DeAndre Hopkins has baptized Wilson in practice, being a perennial All-Pro receiver, but Wilson has noted how his relationship with Hopkins is paying dividends. Speaking to media recently, Wilson mentioned Hopkins has been open to giving tips to the young cornerback, the main one being ‘getting the ball.’
Wilson has also similarly mentioned that one of the sternest tests offered in Cardinals camp is covering fellow rookie Rondale Moore. Wilson described Arizona’s second-round pick as ‘shifty’. Their battles in training camp have provided some of the most box office moments in Arizona’s off-season practice. Thanks to Hopkins and company, Wilson will be prepared to go up against the best in the regular season.
Wilson Shines in Debut Against Dallas
Yes, the Dallas Cowboys may have sat many of their very best players. With Dak Prescott returning from injury, along with Amari Cooper, the Cowboys side faced on Friday was very different to the one the Cardinals will face in the regular season. Regardless, Wilson made a good account for himself in his Cardinals debut.
He totaled three pass breakups on six targets in a performance that displayed the range of his coverage talents. Each of his three breakups demonstrated his ability differently. He showed his man coverage ability, his instincts in off-man/zone coverage and has clearly been taking Hopkins’ advice, aggressively attacking the ball on one play. In the latter instance, Wilson probably should’ve come up with the interception. However, his maiden performance in the NFL was impressive. Those Cardinals fans who were unhappy that the team didn’t take a cornerback higher in the draft should be excited that instead, they got a potential steal in Wilson.
Projecting Marco Wilson’s Regular Season Role
Marco Wilson will make the Cardinals roster, if for no other reason than his draft spot in the fourth round. On his current trajectory though, Wilson can be a real contributor for this Cardinals team. Initially, owing to his rookie status, as well as his exceptional athletic ability, Wilson will most likely see playing time under Jeff Rodgers. Projecting well as a gunner on kick and punt coverage, Wilson is a prime candidate to replace the production of former special teams ace Trent Sherfield, who departed in the off-season. A solid tackler and phenomenal athlete, Wilson can thrive in this role.
As for getting onto the field with the defense, at this stage, Wilson is expected to be a rotational option. To make his way up the depth chart and onto the field, Wilson would have to outplay veteran Darqueze Dennard. Dennard has experience in Vance Joseph’s system from his time in Cincinnati. However, one significant factor to keep an eye on will be the health of Robert Alford. Alford has missed the last two years with season-ending injuries. Subsequently, the Cardinals are unable to rely fully on his fitness.
Wilson will have an effective role with the Cardinals in 2021, either on special teams or on defense. However, having a player of his quality waiting in the wings is a blessing for Arizona, whose issues at cornerback have been one of the stories of the off-season. Wilson provides depth, but if this off-season is any indication, he can also offer so much more.
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