Kyle Wilson shined at Boise State. In his final two seasons, the solid-tackling cornerback from Piscataway, NJ, helped win 26 of 27 games by collecting eight interceptions and returning two for touchdowns. He also had 57 punt returns for a 12.6 average and scored three more times.
But then he stood out even more at the 2010 Senior Bowl.
“The Senior Bowl week for him, comparing him with the other corners was really special for him,” said Joey Clinkscales, who was the Jets VP of College Scouting. “I mean, he played physical. He was very instinctive; his ball skills were great.”
With All-Pros Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, who was acquired in March 2010 through a trade with the Chargers, the Jets already had two great cornerbacks on their roster. But evidently what then-Head Coach Rex Ryan wanted, he got. And during the 2010 NFL Draft, he wanted Wilson.
And the Jets selected him in the first round.
“As I’ve said many times before, Rex has always asked for depth at the cornerback…