KC Chiefs: Albert Wilson Will Open Camp As Starter

By Alec Tilson | Jul 28, 2015

KC Chiefs second-year wide receiver Albert Wilson will open training camp as a starter opposite Jeremy Maclin, according to ESPN’s Adam Teicher. He’ll compete with rookie wide receiver Chris Conley, veteran Jason Avant and the rest of the Chiefs’ corps, including De’Anthony Thomas and Frankie Hammond.

Wilson showed good route-running ability last season, especially in the second half, and he’s a stout pass catcher at 5-foot 9-inches and 200 pounds.

Albert Wilson played 75% of #Chiefs snaps last 4 games, topped 50 yards in 3. Runs 4.43 at 5'9/202. Georgia State all-time leading receiver.
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) July 27, 2015

In fact, in college Wilson posted a career total of 6,235 all-purpose yards. That’s Top 30 in NCAA history. (Source: GeorgiaStateSports.com) Over four seasons at Georgia State, Wilson averaged 148.5 yards per game.

This guy is awesome. Tough, undersized and a fearless-type player. He’s small but what’s the big deal? He’s been small his whole life. He can play, and this Andy Reid offense suits him well.

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It’s hard to envision Wilson lining up on the outside every down, as he’s not your typical 1-on-1 guy who can go up and win a ball. But then again, he’s strong and can block, so I think he’s certainly capable of taking care of himself out there on an island.

Go figure, he models his game after the smallest tough guy in the NFL, according to KCChiefs.com:

"“I watch [current Baltimore Ravens receiver] Steve Smith every day,” he said. “That’s who I base my whole game off of. I feel like being a small receiver, they’re quick to put you on the inside. I feel like Smith made a statement that you can play anywhere on the field and you don’t need to be 6-foot-4, 220 pounds to be your ideal receiver.”"

Still, if you boil it down, he’s much more of a route-runner and a run after the catch type of guy. And there’s no evidence that he’s nearly as savage and unhinged as Smith is on the field, which might be a good thing. Wilson returned kicks and punts in college, played quarterback at Port St. Lucie High School in Florida, and he’s a shifty guy who you can’t really arm tackle.

He’s just a ball player; he doesn’t need a position or a label.

I’m not projecting 80 receptions and 10 touchdowns for Wilson, but I think 50 catches for 700 yards and a couple scores sounds reasonable. Only problem is, that’s not great production from your No. 2 wide receiver. That’s for another post. Wilson should be a reliable guy for a Alex Smith.

Wherever he lines up, Wilson figures to see regular action for the offense this season. He’s a versatile guy you can move all around the football field. Slot, outside, backfield, special teams, etc. He’s got big-play ability, and in his second season, he should get a full season of reps to make an impact.

He also caught one of the longest passes of last season against the Raiders.

Look for Wilson to get a ton of snaps in camp and the first real crack at securing a starting wide receiver position. How do you all think Albert Wilson fits into the wide receiver position battle?

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