NFL 2011 Season: The Emergence of New York Jets' DB Kyle Wilson

Kyle Wilson, a New Jersey native, who was considered one of the best cornerbacks in the 2010 NFL draft, was drafted by the New York Jets as the 29th pick in the first round. 

He has an impressive resume going back  to his HS playing days at Piscataway, New Jersey; where he helped his football team to three straight state-championships, and was also named first-team all-state as wide receiver.  Wilson received a few scholarship offers and eventually chose Boise State.

As a Boise State Bronco, Wilson was named honorable mention freshman All-America.  The following years, he played some great defense, recording 111 tackles, 23 pass-breakups, and eight interceptions, throughout his college career. 

Wilson was also a punt-returner, and in 2008 he finished the season with the most punt returns for touchdowns in the nation.  In November, 2009, he was named one of the 12 semi-finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back in college football.

Wilson, who, throughout his career has had success on the football field, didn’t see much of it in his debut as a Jet in 2010.  He started off decent but as games progressed to the middle of the season, he slowly lost his and the coaches confidence with his bad play at the DB position; it did not help that Drew Coleman was having a good season, either.  He did not have a decent year, to say the least.

Trying to leave a “bad” season behind him, Wilson worked hard in the offseason, with physical training, studying film, and training with Darrelle Revis in Phoenix (Darrelle invited him), he is determined to move on and have a great season this year. 

“Great learning experience and two words for it: Last year.  I know I can play, I strive for greatness.  That’s all I know, that’s all I’ve been doing my whole life.  It’s nothing new,” Wilson said.

Wilson bonded with Revis during the offseason, learning from the best, and now moving a locker next to Revis, he is looking to emulate Revis’ play.  So far this training camp, Wilson has been showing a lot of improvement and getting many good reviews by his coaches.

Let’s hope Wilson’s diligence, hard work and bonding with Revis will help the second year cornerback this season.  Who knows, maybe some of Revis’ talent rubbed off on Wilson. 

Look for Wilson to play a huge role in Rex Ryan's defense and contribute to Jets' stifling D.