With the draft less than four weeks away, I want to take some time to highlight some of my personal favorite prospects. I will be explaining my thought process when watching tape, and how college prospects can make an impact Day 1.
The Overview
Tylan Wallace played through his senior year at Oklahoma State, and did so as the main caveat of that offense. At 5″11 193lbs, Tylan totaled over 3,400 yards in his four years at OKSU; even though he only saw the field in four games his freshman year. With a breakout age of 19, Wallace dominated as a Cowboy. He saw big targets while still averaging north of 16 yards per catch.
The Injury
Wallace really showed out in the start of 2019 until tearing his ACL in a practice session. What was shaping up to be a very good junior year, was cut short prematurely. Something that seems to go almost unnoticed is Wallace’s family injury history. His brother (another former Oklahoma State Cowboy), suffered three torn ACL’s in what was a career that was cut way to soon due to injury. It’s something to consider when evaluating Wallace, especially since he has torn an ACL also.
The Skills
Tylan Wallace has talent through and through. His ability to track the ball and contort his body to put himself in prime situations to make a play is some of the best in the class. His vertical ability is amazing to watch. He can just about go and get any ball thrown in his direction.
While he isn’t a burner, he does have solid acceleration. His lower body strength allows him to chew through turf throughout his entire route, while also giving him extra burst to make quicker cuts. It helps him explode to jump and get the rock. While he does lack some of that strength to out-muscle physical corners, he has strong hands that allow him to play bigger than 5″11.
In the air raid offense that was OKSU the last few years, he didn’t show a deep bag of routes. But, he showed traits that align with being able to run any route (good body/head fakes, good footwork on the back half of his routes, and quick cuts powered by his lower body.)
Wallace had a dominator rating of 30 in college, which puts him in exclusive company for a guy without an above-average QB. Wallace really puts it all together and he offers one of the most well rounded skill sets in the class. He should be able to find himself with an early role in the NFL.
The Weaknesses
There is one major weakness in Tylan’s game, and that is his ability to beat press coverage. While he has decent explosion off the rip, he can get out-muscled by stronger DB’s. In his game against against Tulsa in 2019, we saw CB Allie Green out-muscle him on two straight plays that eventually led to an interception.
This stood out to me. Not because Wallace lost that battle, but because the following drive he burned Green with his receiving work for a big 30-yard gain that set the Cowboys up in opponent territory. He bounced back after being beat, showing grit and urge to go out and be better than he was.
While a 5″11, 193lbs frame isn’t something to be ecstatic about, he possesses an overall above-average athletic profile. He needs to become stronger with his hands at the line in order to become a dominate outside receiver, but already offers an advanced route tree with traits that could make them elite.
With NFL coaches and an offseason of work, Tylan can absolutely learn how to position his hands in order to beat that inevitable press coverage he will see in the NFL. His draft stock might take a hit due to the reinjury concerns, but anywhere Wallace goes he should make an immediate impact within the locker room.
The Final Pitch
I’ve hosted and been apart of over 10 super flex rookie mock drafts, and his average landing spot was 2.05. This is an incredible value for Wallace, as he offers one of the highest floors while having traits that translate well to the next level.
I’m a believer in Wallace. He’s always been a fighter, and if there is something he doesn’t like or needs to work on, he will fix it. He has massive potential in that area. A willingness to learn and grow are two traits that are hard to find; but they seem to be residing in Wallace.
Tylan Wallace is my WR4 in this draft, just outside of Ja’Marr Chase, Rashod Bateman, and DeVonta Smith. He’s a tough technician with his skills, and his ability to beat you with his hands alone is mesmerizing.
