Wide receiver Johnny Wilson. Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles wide receiver could be team's next great tight end

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated 4/30/24

Yardbarker suggested FSU wide receiver Johnny Wilson for the Philadelphia Eagles months ago. Now we’re proposing a position change for the teams’ first sixth-round pick.

Wilson’s college career got off to a slow start at Arizona State where he played for head coach (and Eagles legend) Herm Edwards. After a transfer to Florida State, Wilson led the Seminoles with 43 catches and 897 yards in 2022. But those aren’t the numbers that matter.

With a wingspan of almost 85 inches and nearly 36-inch arms, the 6-foot-7, 237-pound wide receiver could be a mismatch for even the tallest NFL defenders. Factor in his 4.52 speed and it’s easy to see why Philadelphia felt comfortable using a sixth-round pick to get him.

JOHNNY. WILSON.

How did he catch that pic.twitter.com/AvuTun1YpR
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) December 30, 2022

If you think Wilson’s size and speed seem better suited for the tight end position, you’re not alone. Prior to the draft, many teams suggested a position change, something the giant receiver would rather not do.

"I just let my play do the talking," Wilson told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine. "I've been having to fight that since I reached 6-5. So, it's not new to me."

But with new teammates like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith signing long-term deals recently, tight end could be his best shot at making the team.

Currently, the team has four tight ends on its roster. Dallas Goedert is clearly their best but hasn’t played a full season since 2018. Former Bronco Albert Okwuegbunam saw action in four games without a catch following a trade from the Broncos last year and recently signed C.J. Uzomah had just eight receptions with the Jets in 2023.

Whether he likes it or not, tight end could be an ideal spot for Wilson and with rookie mini-camp in less than one week, he’ll soon learn that sixth-round picks don’t dictate terms. No matter how big they are.

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