Overview

A three-way player for the Cougars, Wilson made an impact as a running back, cornerback, and kick returner. In fact, he was the only player in the nation in 2015 to score multiple touchdowns on offense (two rushing touchdowns), defense (interception return, fumble return, with 58 tackles, eight pass breakups, two forced fumbles), and special teams (two kickoff returns). Wilson started eight games at cornerback the previous year (33 tackles, one break-up) after playing on special teams as a redshirt freshman, making five tackles and returning a blocked field goal 78 yards for a score. He finished his UH career with a second-team All-American Athletic Conference season despite missing three games due to injury (43 tackles, one INT, five pass breakups, 5-52 receiving, 4-6 rushing, 512 kick return yards).

Analysis

Strengths

Was the talk of the pro day running 4.36 with a vertical jump of 41 inches, broad jump of 11-feet-1 and 24 bench reps. Versatility could be a selling point. Could be targeted as cornerback, safety or running back. Limited reps as a runner, but looked good. Uses functional jump cut to avoid trouble. Tough runner who can power through angle tackles. Runs with good knee bend and stays behind his pads. Willing to sink and deliver a blow at the finish. Has controlled stride and foot quickness to string together cuts. Offers value as kick returner and in kick coverage. His 100-yard "kick-six" return for a touchdown created huge momentum shift in Houston's week one upset win over Oklahoma.

Weaknesses

Hip tightness limited his ability to make plays on the ball as a cornerback and create average elusiveness in tight quarters as a running back. Will have to find a set position in the pros. As a running back, needs to improve his vision and decisiveness between the tackles. Needs to run with better patience and control. Balance was a little inconsistent in space. Used primarily on swing passes. Will need to expand route-running and prove he can protect to garner third down reps.

Draft Projection

Rounds 4-5

Sources Tell Us

"Looks like everyone is woke on Brandon now. I was hoping he would have pulled a hammy (hamstring) so he couldn't work out and I could have kept him off the radar. You don't jump 41 (inches) and run 4.3 and stay off of radars." - NFC national scout

NFL Comparison

Orleans Darkwa

Bottom Line

Explosive athlete who could be considered on either side of the ball as a defensive back or a running back. Wilson doesn't have as many flashes on tape at cornerback as he does at running back, but his he was primarily a fill-in at running back in a few games over the last two years due to injury. If Wilson transitions to running back, he will be a developmental prospect who could make a roster sooner over later thanks to his kick return potential.