Path to the Combine: Tyler Wilson

           Standing 6’3, 220 pounds Tyler Wilson isn’t exactly the prototypical build of an NFL Quarterback. What Wilson lacks in size however, he makes up for in elusiveness and velocity. Wilson moves very well in the pocket as well as out. Wilson also possesses the type of arm strength and velocity dearly missed from the QB position in Buffalo. Far too often fans have been subjected to dead duck throws or one hoppers from the likes of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Trent Edwards before him. Wilson has the arm strength to stick a ball in the breadbasket on the comeback routes or sideline routes, a skill that can dynamically change an offense’s game plan.

            With this strength comes an effortless throwing motion, nearly a flick of the wrist. This same throwing style can be found in quarterbacks such as Michael Vick and Robert Griffin. This style leads to quick and deadly passes that can completely destroy any blitz a defense tries to run. Wilson also throws a beautiful arcing deep ball that always seems to find his intended mans area.

            With these qualities in mind, Wilson seems to look for deep to intermediate throws more often than the short ones. This is not to say Wilson will not check down, but usually does so after making his down the field reads. This is in contrast to Ryan Fitzpatrick who’s primary reads seemed to always be short, quick passes.

            In addition to the flashy skills Wilson possesses, he also has a blue-collar toughness to him. Playing in the toughest conference in football has offered plenty of big hits and bumps. Wilson has proven time and time again to be able and willing to take the hits and pop right back up. Wilson has also been praised as a film-junkie and a lunch-pail worker. These qualities should quickly endear him to not only the coaching staff, but also his fellow veteran teammates. It is also worth noting that although the 2012 season was a disappointing one for the Razorbacks, Wilson was still able to throw for over 3,000 yards and 21 TD’s in a tough SEC with a new coach and system.

            Wilson may not be an elite option for the Buffalo Bills with their first pick of the 2013 draft, but he may be a pick that needs to be made. The Bills cannot go into the 2013 season with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm, and there is not a plethora of free agents that can be starters in this league. Leading up to the combine, there will be plenty of talk surrounding the quarterback class, but I believe Wilson will stand out above the bunch when February 24th rolls around.