By now we have all heard that Russell Wilson has beaten out free agent signee Mmatt Flynn to earn the starting quarterback job for the Seattle Seahawks. However, do we know his potential value? Let’s take a look at everything we need to know bout Wilson in order to make a determination:
- Listed at 5’11″, 206 lbs.
- Drafted in the third round (#75 overall) and was the sixth quarterback selected
- Began his college career at NC State, where he played for three seasons; as a senior in 2010 he threw for 3,563 yards, 28 TD and 14 INT while adding 435 yards and 9 TD on the ground
- Due to NCAA rules, was allowed to transfer to Wisconsin and play immediately in 2011 as he had year of eligibility left
- In 2011 he completed 72.8% of his passes (had never before completed more than 59.3%) while throwing 33 TD vs. 4 INT and led Wisconsin to the Rose Ball
- Prior to the draft CBS Sports said, “If Wilson was a few inches taller he might rank as the top senior quarterback prospect in the 2012 draft.”
- Proved he could excel in both end ACC and Big 10, two power conferences
- A good athlete, he was a fourth round pick of the Colorado Rockies in 2009
- Doug Farrar of Yahoo Sports had a quote from Pete Carroll (click here for the article) saying, “The command he has, just handling the huddle and the situations — it’s the kind of work ethic you hope your quarterback has. The sincerity and respect for the position. He is so prepared; he does not seem like a first-year player. He seems like he’s been around.”
- Showed his potential in the preseason by severely outplaying Flynn as he completed 67.3% of his passes while throwing for 464 yards, 5 TD and 1 INT; also added 150 yards and 1 TD on 10 rushes
Conclusion:
He may have been viewed as too small entering the draft, but he is quickly proving that he has the ability to handle the job. Having experience at two major NCAA conferences doesn’t hurt and it is clear that the coaching staff believes he is ready.
It’s hard to say that he is going to start for the entire season, especially with some of his preseason numbers coming against second and third stringers. That said, between his numbers at Wisconsin and over three preseason games there is an awful lot to like.
He clearly has become very accurate with the football while having the ability to make plays with his legs. It would be nice if he had a better receiving corps at his disposal, but with Marshawn Lynch keeping defenses honest he should get the chance to make plays.
As a QB2 Wilson has definite value. He is far from a lock, but with what we has seen there is more than enough potential there.
Make sure to check out our 2012 fantasy football rankings:
