As the Jets get close to training camp, I am going to examine the roster and give you my top 25 players. Each weekday, we will reveal another person on the list, leading right into camp. I am not including rookies on this list because I do not feel it is possible to fully evaluate them before they play a game.
No. 25: Kyle Wilson
Last year’s ranking: 14
Position: Cornerback
Age: 27
How acquired: Selected in the first round of the 2010 Draft
Years left on contract: 1
2014 salary cap figure: $2.4 million
Looking back at 2013: I thought Wilson took a step back last year. He played pretty well in 2012 when he was asked to play on the outside after Darrelle Revis was lost for the season with a knee injury. But in 2013, he was back inside at the nickel corner spot.
He was part of a shaky secondary that gave up a bunch of long passes, and Wilson was the culprit on some of those. Pro Football Focus actually has him tied for first among slot corners. While he has not become the cornerback the Jets thought they were getting in 2010, he has become decent playing inside.
Teams completed 55.8 percent of the passes thrown Wilson’s way, according to PFF. Wilson’s worst moment of last season came against Buffalo when he picked up five penalties (one declined). He self-destructed, getting penalty after penalty. But it is worth noting he was not penalized again all season.
Outlook for 2014: This is likely Wilson’s last year with the Jets. His rookie contract expires after this year, and it is difficult to imagine him being back. There has been some speculation he may not even make the team this year after the team signed Johnny Patrick and drafted Dexter McDougle. I think he’ll make it. Wilson has proven to be a good nickel corner and is solid on special teams.
Wilson again figures to be the team’s nickel corner, a role that has grown in importance as the NFL has become a passing league. It is rare for Rex Ryan not to have at least three corners on the field.