Otis Wiley
S Michigan St.
- 6'1" Height
- 213LBS. Weight
Overview
Wiley had a brilliant sophomore season that had scouts pining to see more, but was nowhere near that level as a junior. Wiley bounced back at the start of his senior season, showing rare elusiveness as a punt returner for a player his size and snaring four interceptions over his first four games in 2008. But struggles with groin and knee injuries over the second half of the year may have robbed him of the opportunity to ease concerns about his rollercoaster play. There is no denying that the three-year starter has the combination of size, athleticism, and penchant for the big play that scouts are looking for. Even so, with his most consistent season coming two years ago, teams could be hesitant to pull the trigger early on draft day.
Analysis
Strengths
Positives: Prototype frame for the position. ... Surprising athletic ability for a player of his size. ... Good lateral agility and has at least adequate straight-line speed to compete in an NFL secondary. ... Has a late break on the ball. ... Competes well for the ball. ... Times leaps well and can highpoint passes. ... Reliable open-field tackler who flashes some pop. ... Not afraid to play in the box. ... Athletic enough to slip by blocks and make the tackle between the hashes. ... Versatile. ... Starting experience at free safety, strong safety, nickel cornerback and as a punt returner. ... Showed surprising burst as a first-year punt returner in 2008.
Negatives: Lacks consistency. ... Flashes the range of skills scouts are looking for, but has yet to put it all together in one dominant campaign. ... Relies on his agility to evade blocks, rather than facing up and discarding blockers. ... A reliable open-field tackler, but not a punisher in the middle. ... Will have to prove his straight-line speed.
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| Grade |
Title |
Draft (Round) |
Description |
| 96-100 |
Future Hall of Famer |
Top Pick |
A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played |
| 85-95 |
Immediate Starter |
1st |
An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter). |
| 70-84 |
Eventual Starter |
2nd-3rd |
A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position. |
| 50-69 |
Draftable Player |
4th-7th |
A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential. |
| 20-49 |
Free Agent |
UDFA |
A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body. |