Despite coming to Tallahassee with five stars in his pocket, Marvin Wilson didn’t record a start until his second season. Mostly because of the presence of Demarcus Christmas (sixth round pick to Seattle) and Frederick Jones, Wilson spot-started and served as more of a role player in 2018.

Starting his sophomore season while recovering from an MCL injury in fall camp, the hill became even steeper for Wilson to grow his playing time. Forty-two tackles and 3.5 sacks later, Wilson answered the call, pushing starters for more snaps. With a healthy spring and shakeup in the depth chart, Wilson has the opportunity to explode this season for the Seminoles.

Primarily used as a 0-technique or shade, Wilson also shows two-gapping ability, thanks to a loose lower body and top-notch vision. Throughout the 2018 season, he became a more versatile chess piece across the defensive line, seeing snaps from the 0-tech and showing versatility as a 5/6-tech down lineman.

Wilson is a balanced athlete who consistently stays upright and square when battling through contact. Partnered with his hot motor, Wilson consistently affects the pocket with his balanced approach and violent attitude.

Love the motor on this guy. pic.twitter.com/Q7waVXaMsT — Christian Page (@_ChristianPage) July 2, 2019

Interior pass rushing capabilities come at a premium. Wilson shows glimpses of being a featured pass rusher despite not being on the field for the majority of third-and-long snaps. Wilson’s motor begins his path. He then pairs that with a blend of upper body moves (arm over, club, swim) to counter the blocker’s contact.

Marvin Wilson showcasing his athleticism and pass rush moves here. Usually lines up on the nose. Only started five games last season but I expect him to be a huge breakout star this year. pic.twitter.com/LCijzEMCxU — Christian Page (@_ChristianPage) July 2, 2019

Marvin Wilson returns to FSU as the leader in the ACC in QB pressures among interior defenders. pic.twitter.com/pobkDHWOFv — PFF College (@PFF_College) June 20, 2019

Wilson continues to showcase his pass rushing abilities no matter which alignment he is stationed at. Not being comfortable with being held up at the point of attack, the junior uses his quick and violent limbs to break free and attack the play. He will do everything in his power to become unglued.

Love the motor on this guy. pic.twitter.com/Q7waVXaMsT — Christian Page (@_ChristianPage) July 2, 2019

Wish there was a better look but Marvin Wilson fighting off matchup with quick heavy hands and swallows up the QB to cause the incompletion. pic.twitter.com/OL1WS12Hz6 — Christian Page (@_ChristianPage) July 3, 2019

Wilson has plus-acceleration. Though not elite, it’s still enough to finish plays and influence the outcome. When breaking free of contact, Wilson has a knack for squaring his body to secure his pursuit on the play. His balanced approach calls for his feet to be in harmony with his upper body with little wasted motion in pursuit.

Putting final touches on my Summer Scouting piece of Marvin Wilson (21) and came across this gem. Breaks from a poorly executed double team and then explodes to the quarterback. Wilson consistently squares his body when making plays. Sound footwork more than offen. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/ywSo3BR9Ru — Christian Page (@_ChristianPage) July 6, 2019

“He’s got the tools, the quickness, the ability to use his hands,” former Florida State defensive lineman Corey Simon told Tallahassee Democrat last summer. “All of those things are pivotal for a defensive lineman to excel in this game…He plays with that sort of aggression that you have to have. He’s got that bit of crazy in him to go out there and excel…”

Though his motor nearly always runs hot, Wilson will find himself stuck in the mud on occasion. He will lose traction on the play when he forces his pads too high and hands too wide. This action can be viewed as a technique because Wilson consistently features a snatch move that is characterized by his hands being outside the opponent’s numbers.

Summer Scouting Series

A majority of the intrigue that highlights Wilson’s report stems from his consistent ability to affect the pocket as a pass rusher. However, the junior prospect is a polished run defender, as well. Wilson shows the instincts to defend the run even when not making the tackle. He plays bully and guides the blocker into the path of the runner to muddy up potential rushing lanes.

Always fighting despite constant double teams. Gets slightly pushed off his base but battles through to hit RB at LOS. Squares his body to the ball carrier thanks to some lower body fluidity. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/8VqJMFSeWe — Christian Page (@_ChristianPage) July 3, 2019

He displays intimidating upper body strength, often literally tossing defenders aside.

If you go after Marvin Wilson, be prepared to go to war. #NFLDraft Just one example of him being able to redirect his matchup with only his upper body. Takes away B gap after RB eyes a potential clear path. pic.twitter.com/Bp2qhc2Wb1 — Christian Page (@_ChristianPage) July 3, 2019

Quinnen Williams, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, had yet to start a game entering his final season at Alabama. Sitting behind former first-round pick Da’Ron Payne at nose guard, Williams had to wait for his time to shine. Wilson faces a similar situation as somewhat of an unknown despite being such a highly-regarded high school player.

Though he may not have the same elite qualities that Williams possesses, Wilson’s journey draws plenty of comparisons at this point in the process. Now that he has the full opportunity to anchor the defensive line, Wilson is poised to break out and become a first-round pick.

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