On Monday night, the Tennessee Titans traded OT Isaiah Wilson and a 2022 7th-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for a 2021 7th-round pick.
Bulldog Bulldozer
Isaiah Wilson, the Titans’ 2020 first round pick, is a right tackle out of the University of Georgia. Tennessee signed Wilson, the 29th overall selection in last April’s NFL draft, to a four-year, $11.6 million contract in August. Things didn’t turn out too well though, as a result of Wilson only playing four snaps during his rookie season. The Titans are now off the hook for Wilson’s base salary the next three seasons ($5.3 million in total), and will now save $3.1 million in 2022 and $3.6 million in 2023.
Wilson’s Woes (On and Off the Field)
On the Field
As an NFL lineman, Isaiah Wilson will need better hand placement and variety with his blocking schemes. Wilson also tends to get outreached for someone with such an impressive wingspan. He needs to loosen his hips and adapt to a quicker, more elusive NFL defensive end. Wilson also needs to work on passing off defenders and picking up blitzes. He also tends to lose his base and balance when he loses his widened foot base. Once again, when having to change direction, having a solid base will be imperative when facing NFL pass rushers. Finally, he needs to work on his setup in pass protection. Wilson needs to find his set points, jam those pass rushers, and defend his quarterback (Tua Tagovailoa).
Off the Field
Wilson’s short tenure with Tennessee wasn’t a good one. Specifically, he has had a couple of run-ins with the law. The first incident came when Tennessee State police broke up an off-campus party Wilson had attended during training camp. The second incident occurred when Wilson was arrested and charged with a DUI in September when he lost control of his vehicle and struck a concrete wall.
Fresh Start in Miami
Maybe this was meant to be, and it was Wilsons destiny to be a Dolphin. After all, Wilson played at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, New York. Is it a coincidence that Brian Flores, head coach of the Miami Dolphins, attended high school at Country Day School in Brooklyn? Yes, it is a coincidence, but it’s still cool. Is it a coincidence that Miami Dolphins guard Solomon Kindley played at the University of Georgia with Wilson? Yes, that too is a coincidence. However, these two connections could be critical.