Grade the pick: Bengals trade up to select Houston CB Brandon Wilson in 2017 NFL Draft

The Cincinnati Bengals traded up in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft to draft Houston cornerback Brandon Wilson.

This is the second Houston cornerback the Bengals have drafted in the last two years after selecting William Jackson III in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Wilson had an amazing pro day which boosted his draft stock considerably.

• 40 time - 4.36 seconds
• Bench press - 24 reps
• Vertical jump - 41"
• Broad jump- 11'1”
• 3-cone drill- 7.07 seconds
• 20-yard shuttle - 4.31 seconds

In 2015, he was the only player in the nation to score multiple touchdowns in all three phases of the game with two touchdowns each on offense, defense and special teams. He’s played running back in addition to cornerback and also has returned kicks.

“It was great playing with Will (William Jackson III).” Wilson told Cincy Jungle when we spoke with him prior to the draft. “I always talk to him and he’s a great guy, just seeing him and where he’s at right now, it motivates me and lets me know I can do it also. He’s someone I really look up to.”

Wilson is looking forward to contributing on special teams in the NFL.

“Special teams kickoff returns are what I did at Houston for the last two years. I’ve also done punt returning and been on both special teams coverage units. I’d have no problem with playing special teams in the NFL. I always say, the more you can do the better.”

That’s in fact true and likely a reason the Bengals were so interested in the dynamic playmaker who joins a deep Bengals cornerback roster. The 5’11”, 200 pound cornerback played in the 2017 NFLPA Bowl, was an All-AAC second team selection, and was named to the Paul Hornung Award Watch List.