Michael Wilson Selected by Cardinals - Fit, Grade and Scouting Report

The Arizona Cardinals closed out day two of the 2023 NFL Draft with the selection of Stanford wide receiver Michael Wilson. Here's what you need to know.

Author:
Richie Bradshaw
Publish date:
Apr 29, 2023 11:31 AM EDT

In this story:

Arizona Cardinals

While DeAndre Hopkins has yet to be traded, it is still widely assumed that the All-Pro wide receiver will part ways with the Arizona Cardinals eventually. Therefore, the Cardinals should be exploring future options at the position in the 2023 NFL Draft. They took that approach at the end of day two in the form of Stanford product Michael Wilson.

Wilson looks like the prototype wide receiver as a prospect - 6'2" and 213 lbs with 4.58 speed and other solid athletic testing numbers. When he's been on the field, there has been some rock-solid production. However, that has been the caveat of his career thus far.

Wilson has played just 14 games over the last two seasons which has included two season-ending injuries in 2020 and 2022. That kind of unreliability is a large reason why the otherwise talented receiver fell.

From a fit standpoint, the Cardinals will be banking on his health to rebound at the next level. There is absolutely talent to work with here, but it is certainly a dice roll, to say the least.

Damian Parson of The Draft Network included this snippet on Wilson in his draft profile:

"Wilson checks the box from a height, weight, and speed standpoint. Wilson runs his routes with good tempo and pacing. He moves well in and out of his breaks to generate separation. Combined with his size/frame and play strength, Wilson can make things happen after the catch. I appreciated his ability to sell vertical routes to free up space for underneath options. He has quick feet to square up defenders and work around their frame to his spots before/after the catch. Stanford would dial-up wide receiver screens, quick outs, and crossers to get the ball into his hands quickly and in space. Wilson showcases the patience necessary to allow his blockers to set up and seal. He is an impressive blocker himself too. He was used as a stalk and crack-down blocker on box defenders. Wilson blocks with a “want to” demeanor—you can tell he loves to spring his teammates into open space." --Damian Parson

(Click here for full TDN profile for Michael Wilson)

Wilson has an awesome ceiling, but his inability to stay on the field the last three seasons is somewhat concerning.