Former Gators CB Marco Wilson goes No. 136 overall to Arizona Cardinals

Former Florida Gators cornerback Marco Wilson was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 136 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Wilson was the fourth former Gators player drafted in the draft.

He follows Kyle Pitts, the No. 1 player in the 2021 NFL Draft, who was the first non-quarterback taken in the draft. Pitts will be a star for the Atlanta Falcons. Next up was wide receiver Kadarius Toney, who the New York Giants drafted in the first round with the 20th overall pick. Toney will add another explosive element to their offense. After Pitts and Toney, former Gators quarterback Kyle Trask was taken by the Tampa Bay Buccaneer with the No. 64 overall pick in the draft.

It was a long wait for the fourth Gator to be drafted, but Wilson has climbed up draft boards after an impressive Pro Day. Wilson was one of the biggest winners of Pro Day season, highlighting his elite athleticism at the position. Many fans will focus on his cleat throw against LSU, but Wilson is much more than that. That lapse of judgment shouldn’t define Wilson’s legacy at Florida.

Wilson started cornerback as a freshman for the Gators. He played in 32 total games for Florida in his career. Wilson ended his time with the Gators with three interceptions and 17 pass deflections. He also added 99 total tackles and two and a half tackles for a loss.

He heads to Arizona, who has a significant need at cornerback. Wilson will likely step in on Day 1 and compete for a starting spot, just like he did at Florida. I think after losing Patrick Peterson to Minnesota in free agency, adding an athletic cornerback like Wilson is a great fit for Arizona.

Wilson has the skill set to be a starter and have a very productive career in the NFL. He will need to clean up some of his technique, but adding him to an emerging defense in Arizona will be solid.