There’s plenty of scouting clichés to be wary of as discussion about the 2019 NFL draft reaches a fever pitch. Box-score scouting is one of them, and when applied to UCLA TE Caleb Wilson, there’s little doubt this is a premier player. Out of reach for the Dallas Cowboys without a first-round pick based on stats alone, studying Wilson is a fruitless exercise. Until it comes time to fire up the tape, that is.

Catching 60 passes for 965 yards and four touchdowns this season, Wilson is a physical specimen at 6-foot-4 with the production to back his play making skill. These skills are evident on film, although his inconsistency more than likely will make him a real target for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys are rarely players in the top-tier of free agency, and can expect growing pains from any rookie skill players added to Kellen Moore’s offense. Wilson being no exception at tight end, his upside makes him an intriguing prospect to study.

Games studied: Oregon, USC, Texas A&M (2017)

Strengths

The most consistent positive trait Wilson shows is his hand strength as a blocker. Though he lacks the blocking tenacity and willingness of other top tight end prospects, Wilson makes up for this in a big way by overpowering bigger defenders at the point of attack.

This was evident as early as last season, on Wilson’s tape against Texas A&M, and became a refined part of his game this season against Oregon and USC.

When Wilson hits a defender, they go backwards, something he makes look almost effortless with the length to keep rushers away from his slimmer frame.

As a receiver, Wilson has an adept understanding of how to uncover against zone. Staying light on his feet to provide a reliable check down for his quarterback is where Wilson can settle into a role at the next level quickly.

Not as comfortable stretching the field down the seam, Wilson will go over the middle and secures the ball quickly with strong hands to survive hits from bigger defenders.

At his absolute best, Wilson flashes the suddenness at the stem of his routes to take strides as a complete receiver. Having to rely on development here over the ability to displace his defender and gain leverage, Wilson will benefit from the talent around him on offense.

The spacial awareness to make plays on the sideline and adjust to catch away from his frame are also strengths of Wilson’s, playing predominantly at one speed with little acceleration. This keeps Wilson in control at all times, a ready-made contributor for any offensive scheme.

Weaknesses

More of a finesse player than an overpowering one, Wilson’s adjustment from the PAC-12 to the NFL is a risk difficult to project. Wilson lacks the refinement in his route running to fully utilize his size.

An upright runner that releases with little explosiveness, Wilson’s foot speed is a major concern in both the passing and running game. Playing in a quick-strike offense, this is a player hardly asked to pass protect while lining up almost exclusively inline. Wilson is caught lunging more times than not in pass protection, conceding the corner without the twitch or size to recover.

Not a true threat after the catch, Wilson’s next team will have to be sold his strengths at UCLA will all translate into the same reliability as a chain mover and three-down contributor.

Summary

Earning a fourth round grade on my 2019 NFL Draft board, Wilson’s ceiling as a prospect is well beyond this projected draft status. His effectiveness as a high-point receiver at any spot on the field could make Wilson a fast riser on the depth chart.

It’s the uncertainty of how consistent Wilson can be at the next level that lowers his grade. Checking only some of the boxes for his position in the passing game while being a complete unknown in others, the team that takes a chance on Wilson is getting a productive player they must scheme into ideal situations.

In the Stars?

The Cowboys offense was accused of being too predictable under Scott Linehan, something a brain trust of Jason Garrett, Jon Kitna, and Moore will work to fix this offseason.

Drafting wide receivers and tight ends ready to play with Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup could go a long way. Even with Wilson’s game being sometimes lackluster, this is a tight end Dak Prescott can develop a reliable connection with.

The Cowboys want to control the ball with their offense and finish drives with more touchdowns than they did in 2018, something a threat like Wilson can help them achieve. Likely more of a secondary option at tight end should the Cowboys initial draft plans fall through here, look for Dallas to at have interest in this UCLA product.