New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson recently shared his vision of the perfect wide receiver by combining traits from Ohio State athletes. Speaking with CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala, Wilson selected attributes from fellow Buckeyes to create a comprehensive receiver profile, highlighting his connection to the program and its tradition of producing NFL-ready talent.
Ohio State has been a prolific source of wide receivers in recent years, with players like Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Chris Olave all contributing to a standout group in the 2021 season. Freshman Emeka Egbuka, now drafted by Tampa Bay, also began developing his skills alongside these players, further emphasizing the university’s role as a talent incubator.
Dissecting the Key Traits of Wilson’s Ultimate Wideout
Wilson’s picks showcase a balance of size, speed, skill, and attitude, reflecting the diverse strengths found in Ohio State’s receiver room. He chose Marvin Harrison Jr. for size and strength, citing Harrison’s 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame as the largest and most physical in the group. The Jets receiver selected Chris Olave’s speed as essential, emphasizing the importance of quickness in route running and separation.
Jeremiah Smith earned the nod for his ability to excel in jump ball situations, while Wilson credited himself for route-running expertise. Wilson also highlighted Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s exceptional hands, referencing his impressive 70.9% catch rate last season. For swagger, Jameson Williams—who spent two seasons at Ohio State before transferring to Alabama—was the pick, alongside Wilson’s preference for his own ability in trash talk.
Size: Marvin Harrison, Jr. … Speed: Chris Olave … Jump Ball: Jeremiah Smith … Route Running: Mine … Hands: Jaxon Smith-Njigba … Strength: Marvin Harrison, Jr. Marvin’s strong … Swagger: Jameson Williams … Trash Talk: I like mine on that.
— Garrett Wilson, New York Jets Wide Receiver
Contextualizing Ohio State’s Wide Receiver Legacy
While Wilson’s selections focus on recent Buckeyes, Ohio State’s history contains many other notable receivers whose traits could have been considered. Past stars like Ted Ginn Jr. and Joey Galloway provide explosive speed comparable to Olave’s, while Cris Carter’s size, confidence, and ability to make spectacular catches add another dimension to the legacy.
David Boston’s impressive 4.32-second 40-yard dash combined with his growing frame also places him among the university’s elite wideouts. Though Wilson’s focus was on recent players, Ohio State’s consistent output of NFL-caliber wide receivers over the decades suggests many options for assembling an ideal receiver.
The Game 1998 – Joe Germaine passed for 330 yards and David Boston had 217 receiving yards as Ohio State defeated Tom Brady and Michigan pic.twitter.com/IfPOln6AuR
— Buckeye Videos
Significance of Ohio State’s Wide Receiver Development Pipeline
The continued production of dynamic pass catchers from Columbus strengthens Ohio State’s reputation as a premier development hub for NFL-caliber wide receivers. Garrett Wilson’s thoughtful assembly of skills from recent Buckeyes demonstrates the depth and versatility cultivated in this environment. This selective grouping reinforces why teams regularly scout Ohio State for receivers who can contribute immediately at the professional level.
Given the university’s track record and the promising futures of players like Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, it is clear that Ohio State will remain a key pipeline for NFL talent. Wilson’s framework not only spotlights individual traits but also highlights the collective strength of this remarkable group of wide receivers.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Garrett Wilson wear 5?
A. Wilson played every game during the 2023 season, totaling 17. He ended the season with 95 catches for 1,042 yards and scored three touchdowns. On January 9, 2024, Wilson switched his jersey from number 17 to number 5, which was his college number. This number was previously used by punter Thomas Morstead.
Q. Why is Garrett Wilson wearing 5?
A. On January 9, 2024, Wilson switched his jersey from number 17 to 5, which he had worn during his college years. Before him, punter Thomas Morstead had used the number 5.
Q. Is Garrett Wilson sponsored by Adidas?
A. Garrett Wilson, a wide receiver in the NFL, has revealed the new CLIMACOOL LACED from adidas.