Muhammad Wilkerson of Temple ~ 6.4/315
"A tall, long-armed defensive line prospect who possesses a great-looking frame and the physical makeup to get even bigger. Is a raw talent at this stage who played this past year as a defensive end in the Temple 34 front, but he still has a lot of upside to his game. Showcases inconsistent pad level when asked to sit into his stance, has the ability to keep his base low, but too often comes up with his butt too high off the ball causing him to get upright into contact.
However, at times does showcase a good pad level off the ball, can extend his arms and gain leverage on contact. But typically when engaged allows himself to get upright, which takes away from his initial power when asked to anchor. Will allow defenders to get under his frame and can be driven off the line at times. But does a good job collecting himself, extending his arms and using his length to free himself and make a play on the football.
Displays average instincts and read and react ability inside and has the athletic skill set to make plays off his frame when need be. At his best using his violent club on the outside to slip a blocker off the line and closes quickly in pursuit. However, is much more natural keeping himself clean than disengaging with his hands through contact. Isn't a real gifted pass rusher at this stage.
Exhibits a good first step, is routinely one of the first linemen off the ball and can threaten gaps inside. However, gets too upright into contact off the edge, doesn't showcase much violence/know-how to use his hands to shed and his upright pad level really takes away from his balance and ability to slip blockers even in space and close.
Impression: The skill set is there; he's long, has a good first step, can bend and find the football. However, he's just inconsistent with his pad level and doesn't know how to use his hands to disengage. Has a lot of upside still to his game, but is going to need time to mature until he's ready to play at the next level. Will gets looks both as a 3-4 DE and a 4-3 three-technique."
However, at times does showcase a good pad level off the ball, can extend his arms and gain leverage on contact. But typically when engaged allows himself to get upright, which takes away from his initial power when asked to anchor. Will allow defenders to get under his frame and can be driven off the line at times. But does a good job collecting himself, extending his arms and using his length to free himself and make a play on the football.
Displays average instincts and read and react ability inside and has the athletic skill set to make plays off his frame when need be. At his best using his violent club on the outside to slip a blocker off the line and closes quickly in pursuit. However, is much more natural keeping himself clean than disengaging with his hands through contact. Isn't a real gifted pass rusher at this stage.
Exhibits a good first step, is routinely one of the first linemen off the ball and can threaten gaps inside. However, gets too upright into contact off the edge, doesn't showcase much violence/know-how to use his hands to shed and his upright pad level really takes away from his balance and ability to slip blockers even in space and close.
Impression: The skill set is there; he's long, has a good first step, can bend and find the football. However, he's just inconsistent with his pad level and doesn't know how to use his hands to disengage. Has a lot of upside still to his game, but is going to need time to mature until he's ready to play at the next level. Will gets looks both as a 3-4 DE and a 4-3 three-technique."
"Wilkerson was coveted as a football and basketball prospect coming out of high school. He looks like a NFL defensive tackle but moves like the power forward who helped his AAU team to the national tournament.
After one year at Hargrave Military Academy, Temple coaches decided to take advantage of his maturity to play him in 11 games in 2008 (13 tackles, 2.5 for loss, sack, four pass breakups). He started every game over the next two years, looking strong as a true sophomore (61 tackles, 10.5 for loss, seven sacks, four PBU, forced fumble, blocked kick) and even better as a first-team All-MAC pick in 2010 (70 tackles, 13 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 3 PBU, 2 forced fumbles).
Wilkerson's surprising agility intrigues scouts. He'll need to learn to use his hands to be effective at the next level and must build strength in his first couple of NFL seasons, but has the potential to grow into a prototypical 3-4 defensive end or 4-3 tackle. Teams will find it difficult to wait until the third round to select him.
***
Pass Rush: Overwhelms college tackles with size and strength, then chases down quarterbacks with his length and nimble feet. Lacks a quick first step, but flashes a swim move and closing speed to the passer. Feels cut blocks, keeps his hands involved and watches for the quick throw in his direction. Must improve his hand usage to consistently get off blocks inside. Eats up multiple blockers on inside twists to free up other defensive linemen. Effective bull-rushing college tackles when coming from outside the tackle, but rarely pushes back interior linemen. Not sudden or flexible enough to get the corner.
Run Defense: Agile five-technique who lines up on either side of the formation. Patient and keeps his eyes in the backfield to contain; very solid in his outside assignment. Comes off outside path or double teams inside to spin/shed, catching back running through the hole. Uses shoulder to hold off blockers while slanting into the backfield. Not exceptional change-of-direction agility but his length allows him to get a hand on ballcarriers trying to get through the hole. Not a dominating interior player despite his size. NFL blockers will win the leverage battle until he gets stronger and more physical inside.
Explosion: Has the potential to be very explosive off the snap, but comes off a bit slow and must use his strength to pop into the chest of blockers. Can utilize his strength and length to hit hard and squeeze the football from a ballcarrier.
Strength: Flashes strong hands, playing with leverage, and the ability to push off linemen to make tackles. Gets stood up at the line too often instead of bull-rushing his man backward or pushing his way through the double-team.
Tackling: Tall, thick frame and long arms make him difficult to avoid in tight quarters and to shed once latched on. Gets a lot of tackles with hustle, keeps his feet moving when chasing from behind. Lacks superior straight-line speed but gives excellent effort to the sideline. Must drop his hips to bring down more elusive pro ballcarriers.
Intangibles: Plays a lot of snaps given his size but gives good effort throughout the game. Attended Hargrave Military Academy. Temple's defensive MVP in 2010. No known character issues."
After one year at Hargrave Military Academy, Temple coaches decided to take advantage of his maturity to play him in 11 games in 2008 (13 tackles, 2.5 for loss, sack, four pass breakups). He started every game over the next two years, looking strong as a true sophomore (61 tackles, 10.5 for loss, seven sacks, four PBU, forced fumble, blocked kick) and even better as a first-team All-MAC pick in 2010 (70 tackles, 13 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 3 PBU, 2 forced fumbles).
Wilkerson's surprising agility intrigues scouts. He'll need to learn to use his hands to be effective at the next level and must build strength in his first couple of NFL seasons, but has the potential to grow into a prototypical 3-4 defensive end or 4-3 tackle. Teams will find it difficult to wait until the third round to select him.
***
Pass Rush: Overwhelms college tackles with size and strength, then chases down quarterbacks with his length and nimble feet. Lacks a quick first step, but flashes a swim move and closing speed to the passer. Feels cut blocks, keeps his hands involved and watches for the quick throw in his direction. Must improve his hand usage to consistently get off blocks inside. Eats up multiple blockers on inside twists to free up other defensive linemen. Effective bull-rushing college tackles when coming from outside the tackle, but rarely pushes back interior linemen. Not sudden or flexible enough to get the corner.
Run Defense: Agile five-technique who lines up on either side of the formation. Patient and keeps his eyes in the backfield to contain; very solid in his outside assignment. Comes off outside path or double teams inside to spin/shed, catching back running through the hole. Uses shoulder to hold off blockers while slanting into the backfield. Not exceptional change-of-direction agility but his length allows him to get a hand on ballcarriers trying to get through the hole. Not a dominating interior player despite his size. NFL blockers will win the leverage battle until he gets stronger and more physical inside.
Explosion: Has the potential to be very explosive off the snap, but comes off a bit slow and must use his strength to pop into the chest of blockers. Can utilize his strength and length to hit hard and squeeze the football from a ballcarrier.
Strength: Flashes strong hands, playing with leverage, and the ability to push off linemen to make tackles. Gets stood up at the line too often instead of bull-rushing his man backward or pushing his way through the double-team.
Tackling: Tall, thick frame and long arms make him difficult to avoid in tight quarters and to shed once latched on. Gets a lot of tackles with hustle, keeps his feet moving when chasing from behind. Lacks superior straight-line speed but gives excellent effort to the sideline. Must drop his hips to bring down more elusive pro ballcarriers.
Intangibles: Plays a lot of snaps given his size but gives good effort throughout the game. Attended Hargrave Military Academy. Temple's defensive MVP in 2010. No known character issues."
"Pass rush: For a defensive tackle, Wilkerson is a good pass rusher with good feet and a solid first step. Wilkerson does a really nice job turning his hips to make himself skinny to shoot gaps easier. Isn't always consistent with his pass rush due to some technical issues. Once Wilkerson learns to play with his natural length advantages, his pass rush should get better. Has flashed a decent rip and club move.
Pursuit: Shows good but not great effort pursuing the ball carrier. Has good speed and athleticism for a defensive lineman, but didn't always seem to play up to it on the backside. Is good tracking the ball in or out of the box. Makes most of his plays inside the tackle box, though.
Quickness: Isn't overly explosive off the snap, which is what puts him behind players like Nick Fairley and Corey Liuget. Is much quicker with his hands than his legs. Closes impressively.
Run defend: Against single blockers, Wilkerson is dangerous against the run. He maintains his area nicely and can close well. Has enough natural strength to maintain leverage, but will get knocked around some by double teams.
Strength: While Wilkerson isn't necessarily a bull rusher, he's powerful enough at the point of attack to not be pushed around. Has a frame that can add a lot more mass that will improve him here.
Tackling: Is mostly a collide and drag down tackler. Although Wilkerson closes on the ball well, he could do better wrapping up and driving through the ball carrier.
Technique: Has long arms, but doesn't always do a good enough job extending to keep offensive linemen out of his pads. Does a pretty nice job of sinking and keeping a low center of gravity in run support. Uses good technique with his feet, which he shows on an impressive sidestep move.
Final word: Wilkerson started his final two years of college at defensive tackle for Temple. In that time, he was one of the Mid-American Conference's top players. As a junior, he finished with 70 tackles with 13 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. In 2009, he had 61 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss and seven sacks. It should be noted, though, that the MAC is one of the weakest conferences in the nation.
Still, Wilkerson flashes a lot of potential. He projects nicely as a 3-4 end because of a long, projectable frame. While Wilkerson has solid strength right now, he should only get more powerful. Think of how the Steelers have slowly brought Ziggy Hood along while he gets more physically dominant. It might be the same career path for Wilkerson.
He could also do well in a gap-shooting system as a one-technique. He has a good sidestep move to get through gaps and into the backfield. His technique is still developing though. Either in a 3-4 or 4-3, Wilkerson is one of the best defensive linemen in this year's class. A junior early entrant, his game is ready for the NFL."
Pursuit: Shows good but not great effort pursuing the ball carrier. Has good speed and athleticism for a defensive lineman, but didn't always seem to play up to it on the backside. Is good tracking the ball in or out of the box. Makes most of his plays inside the tackle box, though.
Quickness: Isn't overly explosive off the snap, which is what puts him behind players like Nick Fairley and Corey Liuget. Is much quicker with his hands than his legs. Closes impressively.
Run defend: Against single blockers, Wilkerson is dangerous against the run. He maintains his area nicely and can close well. Has enough natural strength to maintain leverage, but will get knocked around some by double teams.
Strength: While Wilkerson isn't necessarily a bull rusher, he's powerful enough at the point of attack to not be pushed around. Has a frame that can add a lot more mass that will improve him here.
Tackling: Is mostly a collide and drag down tackler. Although Wilkerson closes on the ball well, he could do better wrapping up and driving through the ball carrier.
Technique: Has long arms, but doesn't always do a good enough job extending to keep offensive linemen out of his pads. Does a pretty nice job of sinking and keeping a low center of gravity in run support. Uses good technique with his feet, which he shows on an impressive sidestep move.
Final word: Wilkerson started his final two years of college at defensive tackle for Temple. In that time, he was one of the Mid-American Conference's top players. As a junior, he finished with 70 tackles with 13 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. In 2009, he had 61 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss and seven sacks. It should be noted, though, that the MAC is one of the weakest conferences in the nation.
Still, Wilkerson flashes a lot of potential. He projects nicely as a 3-4 end because of a long, projectable frame. While Wilkerson has solid strength right now, he should only get more powerful. Think of how the Steelers have slowly brought Ziggy Hood along while he gets more physically dominant. It might be the same career path for Wilkerson.
He could also do well in a gap-shooting system as a one-technique. He has a good sidestep move to get through gaps and into the backfield. His technique is still developing though. Either in a 3-4 or 4-3, Wilkerson is one of the best defensive linemen in this year's class. A junior early entrant, his game is ready for the NFL."
"Muhammad Wilkerson opted to go to Temple despite being highly recruited out of Linden High School. He attended Hargrave Military Academy following his senior season of high school in an effort to improve his skills. Wilkerson will have a place in the NFL as a space eater.
Wilkerson was a four star recruit and ranked as highly as the #10 defensive tackle in the nation, according to Scout.com
Strengths
Wilkerson is a space eater who is very strong and he gets good leverage. He is strong at the point of attack, and is more agile than one would initially think. He can move well laterally, and is a force against single blockers. Wilkerson often demands double teams because of his large frame. He can disrupt the backfield with his strength and quickness through the gap, but he may be best off playing nose tackle at the next level. Against the run, Wilkerson is dominant. He’s a pure gap stuffer and doesn’t let much through his area. His frame isn’t at all maxed out so he still has room to grow.
Weaknesses
Wilkerson isn’t much of a pass rusher. He lacks the overall quickness to get upfield in a hurry and get into the backfield in pass rush situations. He tends to take up more space and hold the point of attack, rather then penetrate the offensive line. Despite having long arms, he doesn’t always use them to his best ability when trying to stay off of blockers. He needs to improve using his hands, and often gets slapped down easily. Playing in the Mid-American Conference, he hasn’t went up against solid competition.
Draft Range
With more teams seemingly running the 3-4 defense, it’s very possible that Wilkerson sneaks into the second round, although the 3rd to 4th round looks to be ideal for the Temple Product. Pick 67 for the Buffalo Bills is a great fit for Wilkerson who should be able to step into a 3-4 nose tackle spot right away. Dallas, Houston, New England, and San Francisco look to be great targets for him at the beginning of the third round.
NFL Comparison: Antonio Garay "
Wilkerson was a four star recruit and ranked as highly as the #10 defensive tackle in the nation, according to Scout.com
Strengths
Wilkerson is a space eater who is very strong and he gets good leverage. He is strong at the point of attack, and is more agile than one would initially think. He can move well laterally, and is a force against single blockers. Wilkerson often demands double teams because of his large frame. He can disrupt the backfield with his strength and quickness through the gap, but he may be best off playing nose tackle at the next level. Against the run, Wilkerson is dominant. He’s a pure gap stuffer and doesn’t let much through his area. His frame isn’t at all maxed out so he still has room to grow.
Weaknesses
Wilkerson isn’t much of a pass rusher. He lacks the overall quickness to get upfield in a hurry and get into the backfield in pass rush situations. He tends to take up more space and hold the point of attack, rather then penetrate the offensive line. Despite having long arms, he doesn’t always use them to his best ability when trying to stay off of blockers. He needs to improve using his hands, and often gets slapped down easily. Playing in the Mid-American Conference, he hasn’t went up against solid competition.
Draft Range
With more teams seemingly running the 3-4 defense, it’s very possible that Wilkerson sneaks into the second round, although the 3rd to 4th round looks to be ideal for the Temple Product. Pick 67 for the Buffalo Bills is a great fit for Wilkerson who should be able to step into a 3-4 nose tackle spot right away. Dallas, Houston, New England, and San Francisco look to be great targets for him at the beginning of the third round.
NFL Comparison: Antonio Garay "
"Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior after totaling 70/13/9.5. Junior numbers included 61/10.5/7.
Positive: Terrific junior defensive line prospect with a great amount of upside. Flashes athleticism, moves well about the field, and shows ability in pursuit. Possesses a burst of speed, quickly changes direction, and easily gets out to the sidelines, making plays in space. Stays within his angle of attack, tough to move off the point, and can be an overwhelming force who bulrushes blockers off the line of scrimmage. Possesses good size as well as growth potential.
Negative: Must develop more moves with his hands. Lacks the great bulk to this point to be an interior tackle.
Analysis: Wilkerson has shown tremendous improvement in his game the past two seasons and comes with a great amount of potential. He has the ability to be used at several spots on the line of scrimmage and can line up as a three-technique tackle or two-gap end. He should only get better as he physically matures and improves the details of his game, eventually developing into a productive starter at the next level."
Positive: Terrific junior defensive line prospect with a great amount of upside. Flashes athleticism, moves well about the field, and shows ability in pursuit. Possesses a burst of speed, quickly changes direction, and easily gets out to the sidelines, making plays in space. Stays within his angle of attack, tough to move off the point, and can be an overwhelming force who bulrushes blockers off the line of scrimmage. Possesses good size as well as growth potential.
Negative: Must develop more moves with his hands. Lacks the great bulk to this point to be an interior tackle.
Analysis: Wilkerson has shown tremendous improvement in his game the past two seasons and comes with a great amount of potential. He has the ability to be used at several spots on the line of scrimmage and can line up as a three-technique tackle or two-gap end. He should only get better as he physically matures and improves the details of his game, eventually developing into a productive starter at the next level."
"Positives: Versatile... Starting DT and DE in 2010, plays everywhere on the D-Line... Good athlete... Reasonably agile... Good pass rusher... Disruptive... Good quickness... Good burst off the ball... Good length... Active hands... Can push and pressure the pocket... Can penetrate... Good bulk... Good power... Can get off blocks well... Good strength at POA... Plays with good leverage... Good technique... Fights through double teams... Bats down a lot of passes... Holds his ground versus the run... Anchors well... Makes plays in the backfield... Stacks and sheds well... Good tackler... Hard hitter... Good awareness... Nose for the football... Selected All-MAC first team for the 2009 and 2010 seasons... Ideal fit as a 3-4 DE... Also fits as a 4-3 UT... A dark-horse first round possibility.
Negatives: Not much of an arsenal with the exception of bull rush... Will raise up as he penetrates and lose leverage... Gets a little too upright moving down the line of scrimmage (laterally)... Lack of competition playing in the MAC."
Negatives: Not much of an arsenal with the exception of bull rush... Will raise up as he penetrates and lose leverage... Gets a little too upright moving down the line of scrimmage (laterally)... Lack of competition playing in the MAC."
"Overview: Wilkerson declared on Jan 5 he will enter the 2011 draft. He was a huge part of the turnaround at Temple with 70 tackles (13.0 TFLs and 9.5 sacks) in '10 and 61 tackles (10.5 TFLs)in '09. A two-time MAC first teamer and team captain as a junior, he was named the team's most valuable defensive player.
Strengths: Exceptionally productive as a defensive tackle. Can penetrate into the backfield to disrupt both the run and pass. Great size and mobility - gets his hands up and will bat down passes. Able to split the double-team.
Weaknesses: Can benefit from more game experience. Sometimes overpursues and takes himself out of his gap responsibility.
Projection: 4-5th round depending on testing and pro day results."
Strengths: Exceptionally productive as a defensive tackle. Can penetrate into the backfield to disrupt both the run and pass. Great size and mobility - gets his hands up and will bat down passes. Able to split the double-team.
Weaknesses: Can benefit from more game experience. Sometimes overpursues and takes himself out of his gap responsibility.
Projection: 4-5th round depending on testing and pro day results."
"Muhammad Wilkerson is one of the best defensive tackles that most people in the country have never heard of. The 6-5, 305 pound junior has been a huge part of the Temple turnaround. As a freshman in 2008, Wilkerson did not see too much playing time, but he tallied 2.5 tackles-for-loss and one sack. More impressively, Wilkerson got his hands up and broke up four passes. In 2009 Wilkerson totaled 10.5 tackles-for-loss and 7.0 sacks. Wilkerson did a superb job getting into the backfield and wreaking havoc against every Mid-American Conference opponent. Even when Wilkerson was not getting to the quarterback, he was making tackles and stuffing the run. He ended the season with 61 tackles, which is quite impressive for a defensive lineman. The 2010 campaign has been even more impressive. Wilkerson is third on the team with 70 tackles with a bowl game yet to play. Once again, tallying that many tackles is nearly unheard of and his ability to stuff the run makes him one of the most dangerous defensive tackles.
When Wilkerson is not stuffing the run, he is still getting into the backfield. This season he has 13.0 tackles-for-loss and 9.5 sacks. There is not much else Wilkerson can do to improve his NFL stock. He has been relatively consistent over the last two years and could very easily be a second or third round selection if he opts to go pro early."
When Wilkerson is not stuffing the run, he is still getting into the backfield. This season he has 13.0 tackles-for-loss and 9.5 sacks. There is not much else Wilkerson can do to improve his NFL stock. He has been relatively consistent over the last two years and could very easily be a second or third round selection if he opts to go pro early."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Muhammad Wilkerson
When I evaluate any prospect, 1% of it derives from my own analysis of The Tape, and 99% of it is my evaluation of the evaluators: Those guys, quoted and linked, above, whose expertise DWARFS mine.
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Mo Wilkerson is still pretty raw, and his proclivity for playing too high worries me, as it speaks to a lack of lower body Power + Strength. It seems to me that those who start off playing too high are at great risk of always doing so. And he's not very good with his hands, either.
In his favor, he exhibits exceptional Lateral Agility, a legacy of his multi sport past, and has the frame to add more mass, should he choose to.
But all in all, I don't see the 1st Round value, there, that he currently projects to be. I see more of a 3rd Round Project type.
Over Rated.
***
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
***
Mo Wilkerson is still pretty raw, and his proclivity for playing too high worries me, as it speaks to a lack of lower body Power + Strength. It seems to me that those who start off playing too high are at great risk of always doing so. And he's not very good with his hands, either.
In his favor, he exhibits exceptional Lateral Agility, a legacy of his multi sport past, and has the frame to add more mass, should he choose to.
But all in all, I don't see the 1st Round value, there, that he currently projects to be. I see more of a 3rd Round Project type.
Over Rated.
***
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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