The University of Texas-San Antonio isn’t the same hotbed for NFL prospects as the big programs like Alabama or Ohio State. Still, even smaller schools can hide big secrets regarding talent during specific years. Several teams descended on the UTSA campus this past week. Most of them were likely there to watch tantalizing cornerback Tariq Woolen workout after his incredible performance at the scouting combine. Some believe he could be destined for the 1st round. The Chicago Bears, meanwhile, seemed to have eyes for one of his teammates in defensive end Charles Wiley.
A source informed SM that Bears representatives were all over the senior during and after drills, conducting his workout and an interview. They seem to have a strong interest in him. Wiley spent his first three years in college playing for Ole Miss. He was a productive starter, showcasing impressive versatility playing both defensive end and outside linebacker. Then in 2020, he transferred to UTSA. Over the next two seasons, he racked up 5.5 sacks, 19 tackles for a loss, and three recovered fumbles.
It sounds like his pro day went really well too.
Sounds like Charles Wiley was having a pretty awesome pro day!
Charles Wiley is a LB prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.79 RAS out of a possible 10.00 at his pro day. This ranked 49 out of 2255 LB from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/D8Yn31GLgY #RAS pic.twitter.com/Ssm3KfSjxF
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 23, 2022
Athleticism doesn’t seem to be a problem with Wiley. He moves well at 6’3 and 255 lbs. The tricky question most NFL teams have with him is determining what position he’d play in the NFL. He was an edge defender in college, but his size might turn a lot of teams away. Can he overcome such a problem? Upon looking into his tape, there are reasons for optimism.
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Charles Wiley clip #1: Power rush
When thinking about somebody with his size, you wouldn’t think Wiley has enough power in his frame to deliver a good bull rush. Yet there are pieces of evidence that suggest otherwise. The clip above proves it. Watch #99 at the right of the screen. He comes hard off the edge, getting both hands into the tackle’s chest. Then while still driving his feet, he goes full extension with his arms, driving the blocker straight onto his back.
Charles Wiley #2: Rush arsenal
It would be one thing if the defender was a good bull rusher, and that’s it. Tackles can learn to handle such types. This is why it is essential defensive ends know how to diversify their hand-fighting technique. “Have a plan” for each snap is the common saying. This clip from his UTSA days shows one example. Watch how #96 on the left starts the right tackle off with a long arm and then uses that to throw the blocker off balance, creating a crease to cut back inside with a free lane to the quarterback.
Charles Wiley #3: Run defender
While edge defenders are almost always evaluated for their pass rush first, teams value their ability to stop the run too. Wiley is no exception here. In fact, he may be a better run defender than pass rusher. Watch this clip here. He sets the edge against the right tackle, maintains his vision of the ball carrier, and sheds the block enough to make the stop for no gain. Plays like that are rarely acknowledged on the stat sheet enough.
Charles Wiley #4: Utility man
Some people may see Wiley as a “tweener.” A player without a clear position. That is a bad thing to them. It can be seen as a positive to others, provided the coaches think outside the box. Remember how I mentioned versatility was a big part of Wiley’s game? This play proves it. Here he’s playing a more traditional 4-3 outside linebacker spot. In mere seconds, he reads the plays, sheds the blocking attempt by the left tackle, slips past the blocking attempt by the tight end, and drives the runner out of bounds.
It is easy to see why the Bears are interested in him. GM Ryan Poles said they value players that can do more than one thing well on the football field. Wiley seems to check that box. Projections have him as a 6th or 7th round pick next month. It is likely he may end up an undrafted free agent. Presuming that is the case, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Chicago pursue him. Their interest is hard to deny.
