No team in the FBS was better when it came to shutting down opposing quarterbacks than Florida in 2016. A large reason why was the play of second-team All-SEC cornerback Quincy Wilson.
Quincy Wilson delivers production, promise to Colts
The Florida cornerback was a focal point on one of the nation’s elite passing defenses in 2016.
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Now, the Indianapolis Colts are hoping he can bolster a secondary that already added Malik Hooker in the first round. Indianapolis selected the former Gator with the 46th pick of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Wilson’s output improved in each of the three seasons he spent in Gainesville, peaking with three interceptions last fall. Paired with Teez Tabor, Florida had arguably the best set of cornerbacks in the country, undoubtedly the stingiest. The Gators allowed only eight passing touchdowns in 13 games en route to a 9-4 season.
What sets Quincy Wilson apart from a stacked class of defensive backs?
At 6’1 and 211 pounds, Wilson is a big, physical cornerback who, to some, resembles a linebacker and thrives in big matchups. He shadows receivers well, tracking routes step for step. His fluid hips prevent many gaps in coverage, making even quick outs a tough sell. According to Pro Football Focus, this led to just 16 receptions against him last fall — or just 1.2 per game.
He’s aggressive near the line of scrimmage and explodes toward the ball when it’s heading his way, leading to three interceptions and six pass breakups on just 49 targets in 2016. He’s also able to use that aggression to shed blocks and attack runners, where he tackles well.
What kept him from being an elite prospect?
Wilson was hit-or-miss when it came to jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage at times, allowing big windows of opportunity on quick slants and other fast-developing plays near the center of the field. He had the speed to recover once wideouts turned upfield, but his 4.54-second 40 time suggests he’ll struggle to do the same against the NFL’s best and fastest receivers. In all, he measured out as an average athlete among cornerbacks at the Combine.
He’s an intelligent corner who understands his matchups, but he also uses that knowledge to guess routes. That’s something that won’t hold up in the pros, where an unexpected double-move could leave him reeling. He’ll have to deal with a learning curve as a rookie, which may make him a boom-or-bust defensive back in the NFL.
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