Washington Commanders Draft: Does FSU WR Johnny Wilson Have Mike Evans Potential?

Could drafting Florida State wide receiver Johnny Wilson add a Mike Evans element to the Washington Commanders offense?

Florida State wide receiver Johnny Wilson / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Commanders hold six of the top 100 picks heading into this year’s NFL Draft, providing new general manager Adam Peters ample opportunity to reshape the roster as he sees fit. 

One player who could help the team turn around its fortunes next season is Florida State wide receiver Johnny Wilson. 

Florida State wide receiver Johnny Wilson / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

This year’s wide receiver class is considered one of the deepest in recent memory, meaning that uncharacteristically talented prospects could fall later than in most seasons. Insert Wilson, a player who could land in Washington on day three of the draft.

Wilson has freakish size for a wide receiver. Standing 6-6 with arms nearly three feet long and weighing 231 pounds, Wilson is a physically imposing wideout whose skillset could complement that of Commanders Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, who are smaller receivers than him.

After transferring from Arizona State and becoming a member of the Seminoles in 2022, Wilson played in 23 games. He got to flash some of his big play ability while catching passes from quarterback prospect Jordan Travis. 

At FSU, Wilson recorded 84 receptions for 1,514 yards and seven touchdowns. Although not the most dominant production, Wilson’s size and testing numbers at the NFL Combine suggest that, if used correctly, he could have better days ahead in the NFL. 

While testing at Indianapolis, Wilson impressed by running a 4.52-second forty-yard dash and exploding for a 37-inch vertical jump. Wilsons' athletic measurables put him alongside future NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans, a player who has thrived making contested catches. 

Right now, Wilson has a lot of growing to do before his film can compare to Evans’, but his potential warrants the attention of Peters, especially if Washington selects quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall, Wilsons' teammate from back at Arizona State who.