Garnell Wilds

[BandWagon]

Now those of you who follow Tech may have a lot more background to share on this guy, but I remember watching him in camp and being impressed by his size and speed. Apparently Williams thinks so too. Check out this Times article...

"You guys weren't doubting me when Garnell was lined up on Randy Moss, were you?" asked assistant head coach/defense Gregg Williams after the game. "Garnell did a tremendous job. If I had enough guts, I would have been playing him a month ago.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/sports/20050103-122009-7530r.htm

[whitskins]

Wow, what high praise. Maybe we can count GW among those coaches who apparently believe that the team will be better off letting Smoot go? If G-Williams loves him that much then he can start on my team any day.

[Spence]

Smoot was a first round talent who fell to the second round because of drug-related suspicions. Garnell Wilds was an undrafted free agent. Sometimes guys like Wilds slip thru the cracks like that, but I'd have to see more than a few plays against Randy Moss before I'd feel comfortable with him as a starting cornerback.

[rskinsfan10]

Smoot was a first round talent who fell to the second round because of drug-related suspicions. Garnell Wilds was an undrafted free agent. Sometimes guys like Wilds slip thru the cracks like that, but I'd have to see more than a few plays against Randy Moss before I'd feel comfortable with him as a starting cornerback.
Yeah, I agree. He preformed well, but one game doesn't make a superstar. Hopefully, we found a gem, but I'm not ready to run through the streets screaming "I'M RICH" just yet.

[lakeskin]

Coaches love to pump up the 5th string guys. Thats what coaches do. Wouldnt read to much into wat the coach says about Wilds, but hopefully Garnell can develop into a good nickleback...pretty good for an undrafted FA.

[RedskinsVision]

we definitely need to see Wilds in more games before determining anything.. but i must admit i feel more confident with him in there at Corner than Jimoh. hope Wilds continues to improve and Jimoh continues his ST dominance. :)

[JoeDaSchmoe]

I'd feel more confident with Helen Keller in at corner than Jimoh.

That said, I really like Wilds, and I hope he develops nicely. Honestly, if we just let Smoot go and sign a cheap free agent as a backup, it won't be Wilds that worries me in coverage. It'll be Harris.

[RedskinsVision]

Wilds = Predator
Jimoh = Prey

[Skins57]

We very well could lose our second starting CB in 2 years. If we lose Smoot, we all have to hope we can replace him like we did for Champ with Springs. If Smoot wants to make up for the fact he fell to the second round now, he will be working somewhere else next year

[bgforever]

Uh oh, Smoot man, look out. Williams aint bluffing, cause he's Richie Pettibone reincarnated and Richie P., was up on it. Add to that, Harris' effort, experience, penchant for the big play and we still have a strong trio in CB's. Smoot may have more expertise though, but Williams aint sweating it and that doesn't look any good for him.

Skins are weighing how to add to the trio, since its obvious Smoots probably getting calls from Indianapolis, Denver, Cincinatti, and maybe even Philly and NY and yes - Dallas.

Likely new home - KC, Indianapolis, Chicago, NE, Seattle or Cincinatti, San Francisco.

[Skinz4lyfe]

I'd feel more confident with Helen Keller in at corner than Jimoh.
That said, I really like Wilds, and I hope he develops nicely. Honestly, if we just let Smoot go and sign a cheap free agent as a backup, it won't be Wilds that worries me in coverage. It'll be Harris.

That's Great!! :lol1:

[bgforever]

Coaches love to pump up the 5th string guys. Thats what coaches do. Wouldnt read to much into wat the coach says about Wilds, but hopefully Garnell can develop into a good nickleback...pretty good for an undrafted FA.


Yeah, but Wilds was on display, showing those correctable things. I put him above Harris in GB (even the dreads :) ), once he gets more playing time.

[lakeskin]

One thing is for sure Garnell should never cut his hair. It just goes with his name, seeing those locks over WILDS...it just fits.

[CowboyKilla]

Let's see what he's got. Nobody's saying he will be starting. As a nick or dime he may just fit.

[Aurej]

A lot of undrafted FA's become outstanding players. Just because they weren't drafted doesn't mean they can't play. It could mean they came from a small school or played next to a guy who hogs spotlight (ie Champ, Arrington). The greatest CB of all time wasn't even in the draft(for those of you wondering its Night Train). Hell he walked into an LA Rams tryout and started 12 games his rookie season with 12 INTs. You never know what your gonna get when you sign someone unknown.

[WRSK1NS]

We saw a lot of Wilds during the last couple preseason games and he did real well. I know I know that was only preseason, this is reglar season. I also watched him play while he was with Tech and he was a solid player. He kind of went unnotticed because he played opposite of D'Angilo Hall. I think if we had to go into the season with him as one of the starting corners we would be just fine.

[tommahawk]

Last summer I predicted in a thread here at hR that Wilds, was the most likely undrafted rookie to make the team. I saw him play at Tech he seemed quicker that most of the players and didn't shy away from big hits. I hope he moves past Jimoh on the depth chart.

[Keino]

Wilds = Predator
Jimoh = Prey
Though you are largely joking (I think), this is fairly accurate based off of what I have seen.....and I think they have similar ability. In fact Jimoh is probably a better athlete. What distinguishes them is confidence/swagger..........You can see it in their body language.

[Jimreaper007]

Wilds = Predator
Jimoh = Prey

Other teams can smell him on the field (FRESH MEAT)

[Jimreaper007]

If the kid (Wilds) has attitude PLAY HIM....

Bye Smoot

[split3clemente]

harris should start if smoot leaves but wilds would be a nice nickle corner that could develop into a solid starter

[redskin_rich]

If Gregg Williams likes Wilds than so do I. Remember how GW said how much he liked Pierce, we all knew he was a solid backup and special teamer but he ended nearly being a pro bowler.

[smoak]

A lot of undrafted FA's become outstanding players. Just because they weren't drafted doesn't mean they can't play. It could mean they came from a small school or played next to a guy who hogs spotlight (ie Champ, Arrington). The greatest CB of all time wasn't even in the draft(for those of you wondering its Night Train). Hell he walked into an LA Rams tryout and started 12 games his rookie season with 12 INTs. You never know what your gonna get when you sign someone unknown.

AMEN! I'm not annoiting Wilds as the saviour, but all season GW put unknowns into a position where they could be successful. We'll see as I am thinking Smoot is gone.

[Jimreaper007]

I trust GW....

Bottomline...He has earned it

[joethefan]

Smoot was a first round talent who fell to the second round because of drug-related suspicions. Garnell Wilds was an undrafted free agent. Sometimes guys like Wilds slip thru the cracks like that, but I'd have to see more than a few plays against Randy Moss before I'd feel comfortable with him as a starting cornerback.

Ditto....one game doesn't do anything for me. Maybe after one season. Then we can make a better assessment...But consistancy is my concern.

[REDMAN]

If the coaches think Wilds is a player, that is good enough for me.

[hokieskin]

I saw a lot of Wilds at Lane stadium. He led the Hokies in Int's his Junior year. Got hurt a few games into his senior year, which is why he wasn't drafted. He was also a strong special team player for Beamer. We should be fine with him and Harris - free up some cap space for a DE to make their job easier!!

[Jimreaper007]

Career Highlights

Wilds joined the Redskins in April 2004 as an undrafted free agent out of Virginia Tech...He started the first six games for the Hokies in 2003 and totaled 31 tackles (18 solo)...As a junior in 2002, played in all 14 games, starting four...Led the Big East Conference in interceptions with five...Recorded 27 solo tackles and 17 assists on the season...Also had six passes broken up and a fumble recovery...Tied Big East and school record with three interceptions...Played all 11 regular-season games, starting one in 2001...Had 27 tackles on the year with 16 of them solo stops...Also had four PBU and two interceptions...Caught a 33-yard pass from punter Vinnie Burns on a fake punt against University of Central Florida...Made his first career start against Temple and responded with two interceptions...Saw action his freshman year before having season ending surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee...Intercepted a pass and returned it five yards in the Hokies' win at East Carolina...Posted four tackles in his five games...Redshirted for the 1999 season...A native of Tampa, FL and attended Hillsborough High School...Rated the No. 12 prospect in Florida and No. 48 nationally by the The Tampa Tribune...A postseason All-America selection by PrepStar...Helped the team to a 28-8 record during his varsity career...Was in on 69 tackles as a senior and intercepted four passes...Helped team to the state 6A championship game as a sophomore...Has one son, Garnell Wilds II...Majored in residential property management at Virginia Tech.

[Minnesota Mike]

Yeah, I agree. He preformed well, but one game doesn't make a superstar.

I don't know why, but when I read this, the name Timmy Smith flashed into my mind.

[Jimreaper007]

I saw a lot of Wilds at Lane stadium. He led the Hokies in Int's his Junior year. Got hurt a few games into his senior year, which is why he wasn't drafted. He was also a strong special team player for Beamer. We should be fine with him and Harris - free up some cap space for a DE to make their job easier!!

I like the kid's size (Almost 200 pounds) which bodes well. If he talks trash and can cover I say give him his shot.

[redwolf1218]

I saw a lot of Wilds at Lane stadium. He led the Hokies in Int's his Junior year. Got hurt a few games into his senior year, which is why he wasn't drafted. He was also a strong special team player for Beamer. We should be fine with him and Harris - free up some cap space for a DE to make their job easier!!
i'm glad someone mentioned that he got hurt and missed half his senior season. before that, some said he was comparable to Deangelo Hall. That may be a stretch, but he was good and went undrafted mostly because of the injury. Anyone who watches Va Tech knows the corners have it tough in Beamer's system, and there is such a huge emphasis on special teams there, so he should be a great contributor there as well. he has good size for a corner also. he's a hitter. to quote jimreapers post, 31 tackles in the first 6 games of 2003...that's on pace to get 60 tackles, pretty good for a corner in that system. good run support. i'd imagine he got thrown at pretty much with Hall on the other side.

[Skinsfan1906]

Smoot was a first round talent who fell to the second round because of drug-related suspicions. Garnell Wilds was an undrafted free agent. Sometimes guys like Wilds slip thru the cracks like that, but I'd have to see more than a few plays against Randy Moss before I'd feel comfortable with him as a starting cornerback.

That sums it up for me.

[IowaSkinsFan]

Smoot was a first round talent who fell to the second round because of drug-related suspicions. Garnell Wilds was an undrafted free agent. Sometimes guys like Wilds slip thru the cracks like that, but I'd have to see more than a few plays against Randy Moss before I'd feel comfortable with him as a starting cornerback.

I don't think they are talking about making him a starter, from what I read. I think that role is going to Harris. I think the implication here is that Wilds will be ready for a nickle back role and ST's duty.

[skins74]

GW has been right about everything so far so I have no reason not to believe him. I love Smoot, but if he leaves I think we have some good replacements.

[AGibbsGirl]

Guess I'm the only who wasn't thrilled with his performance? I thought I saw a few missed oppurtunities, but I will give it over to the experts. It goes both ways, 2 games do not make or break a player

[skins74]

Guess I'm the only who wasn't thrilled with his performance? I thought I saw a few missed oppurtunities, but I will give it over to the experts. It goes both ways, 2 games do not make or break a player


I didn't see him get Ade JImohed at any point so thats good right?

[Skins57]

the biggest memory I have of him last week was when he came up to make a tackle and completely slid off the guy because he did not wrap up. I would like to see alot more of him before I say he is even worth keeping

[dj_stouty]

I dig his hair...:D

When was the last time the Skins had a guy with long hair like that?

His hair reminds me of Al Harris and RW McQuarters. Hopefully he develops into the type of cornerbacks these guys are...

[redwolf1218]

i agree the hair is awesome. it reminds me of the Predator. we need more guys like that. maybe they can get Al Harris.

[ConradCountry]

Wilds looks good and adds insurance in case Smoot keeps being ridiculous in his contract demands.

If Smoot continues to go nuts then I would be very happy with Wilds and a FA like Anthony Henry or a trade for PHillip Buchanon instead of Smoot.

[coleman51]

We very well could lose our second starting CB in 2 years. If we lose Smoot, we all have to hope we can replace him like we did for Champ with Springs. If Smoot wants to make up for the fact he fell to the second round now, he will be working somewhere else next year

The Beagles lost both starting CB after last season and they rolled right on without them.
Yes, it is a difficult thing but if you have a system (Greg Williams) and players who hustle and are good athletes (all the DB this year), good things happen.

Wilds did look good against SF and Minn, however jury is still out. I think he would make a decent nickel back or 3rd CB right now.

I thought Rufus Brown was outstanding in the preseason and am surprised he didn't get a chance to play. The guy made plays and was tough against the run, throwing his little body at people fearlessly. With Wilds, Brown and Jimoh this team has good backup CB. Walt Harris can be an exceptional starter, he played well too.

With that group and picking up another CB or two in the spring (draft or college FA), this group looks strong to me even without Smoot.

[AGibbsGirl]

I didn't see him get Ade JImohed at any point so thats good right?

:D Yeah!
But like Jeff said he didn't wrap up a few times and I believe it was him that sorta bumped a guy instead of tackling him and they got a first down outta it...but he's a rookie and these mistakes can easily be fixed.
Let's keep the hair too!

PS: I'm already a fan of Brown, anybody got his story though? Gibbs said it was powerful what this kid has overcome in life, now I'm curious....

[War Hogg]

I dig his hair...:D

When was the last time the Skins had a guy with long hair like that?

His hair reminds me of Al Harris and RW McQuarters. Hopefully he develops into the type of cornerbacks these guys are...

yeah, Youve gotta be tough when your hair is that long......

[jonesy]

yea but he missed a tackle to stop a first down by not wrapping up. He could be good though.

[BandWagon]

yea but he missed a tackle to stop a first down by not wrapping up. He could be good though.

I guess what most people are expressing is that he didn't get "owned" by Moss...clearly one of the best talents in the league. Just imagine for a moment Jimoh guarding Moss and I think that's why Williams is feeling optimistic.

Another post made a great point about Philly. I thought the secondary was going to be a huge liability for them. I was wrong...good prospects and probably better coaching came through.

And lastly, thanks for the data on his play at VaTech. I was very curious how he faired playing opposite Hall.

[redskin_rich]

When was the last time the Skins had a guy with long hair like that?
Tre Johnson, the original predator.

[coleman51]

i agree the hair is awesome. it reminds me of the Predator. we need more guys like that. maybe they can get Al Harris.


That hair is absolutely hideous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gross!!!!!!!!!

[Jimreaper007]

Tre' is an interesting fellow. I wish he could have stayed healthy because he was a true redskin.

[Brokenstriker]

I thought Wilds did ok ... I prefer Smoot

but on the CB topic ... anyone but Jimoh ... they guy is featured in about 6 other teams highlight reels from the previous season ... and mixed too many penalties into his supposedly good ST play ... I guess the book on him is he is fast cause he can't cover man to man? but for a fast guy some reason the fly pattern burns him like napalm at a zippo factory ... could it be that he bites on the lamest of moves so hard that he can't recover on the down the field routes ... so he plays off by about 5 yards so any possession receiver is WIDE open?

Sorry Jimoh ... its nothing personal ... but I do hope you graduated with your degree

[Beast56Redskin]

i need to see more of wilds before i crown him king. this draft seems to be pretty deep at CB. lets see what we can salvage

[Redskin006]

if we get rid of smoot and harris becomes a starting corner then wilds could easily be our nickel corner next year. if we keep smoot, wilds probably wont play near as much.