5 Leighton Vander Esch Replacements the Cowboys Must Target
• Could the Patriots be ready to deal?
• Denver is set for a fire sale and could part with a stud LB
By Randy Gurzi
3. Mack Wilson Sr.
In 2019, Cleveland general manager John Dorsey believed he found a steal in the fifth round in Mack Wilson, Sr. The Alabama product didn't have the best performance at the NFL Scouting Combine but he was able to produce at a high level for the Crimson Tide.
As a rookie, he was pressed into action in a hurry and didn't disappoint. Wilson played in 16 games and made 14 starts. He finished with 82 tackles, seven pass defenses, and a pick. The expectations were high from that point but he never was able to keep a starting job for the Browns.
Watch Takitaki and Mack Wilson here. This is what you want to see v run. Taki stands up the FB at the POA to ruin the scheme before it starts and Wilson darts through with proper angle to bring Henry down for the TFL.
— OBR Film Breakdown (@TheOBRFilmBDN) December 7, 2020
Might have been Wilson's best game of 2020. #Browns pic.twitter.com/vHz3cVAgdl
Ahead of the 2022 campaign, he was sent to the New England Patriots in exchange for Chase Winovich. That wound up being a win for the Pats with Winovich hardly making an impact for Cleveland while Wilson proved to be a solid depth piece for Bill Belichick.
Wilson has played in 22 games for New England and has 43 tackles and 1.5 sacks. It might not sound like much but he's done whatever has been asked of him, including playing special teams.
The one question would be if he can play in the middle. He did during his time at Alabama and had a few snaps there for Cleveland. If Dallas believes he could do it, then he might be someone to target, especially with New England looking like a team that needs to start tanking.