Dolphins 2012 Player Review: Jimmy Wilson

Oct.14, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jimmy Wilson (27) reacts during a game against the St. Louis Rams at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Wilson is a man of second chances. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Jimmy Wilson’s life outside of football, you’re in for a big surprise. On June 2, 2007, Jimmy Wilson shot and killed his aunt’s boyfriend. On June 12, 2007, Wilson was arrested on murder charges by the State of California. Just two years after the shooting, Wilson was acquitted of all charges as his attorney argued that Wilson acted in self-defense. This second chance at life was put to good use as Jimmy returned to football and has been able to remain out of trouble. Two years after being acquitted, Jimmy was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round in the 2011 NFL Draft.

After making the team, Jimmy was finally set to make his NFL debut at the age of 25. His first season in a Dolphins uniform was a good one. Although it wasn’t great, it was considered an above average rookie year for a 25 year old rookie safety who spent two years in prison and was drafted in the seventh round. For someone who has been away from the game for two years and only spent one more year in college before going to the league, Wilson showed that he has what it takes to make it in the NFL. Time and time again you would hear the Dolphins announcers talk about how Jimmy Wilson made an impact on a play. For a seventh round draft pick, fans were pleased with the production they saw out of Wilson. After a rookie season like that, the organization and the fans believed that Wilson had a lot of potential to be a really good safety in this league for years to come.

Coming into this year the expectations were set pretty high for Wilson. With Yerimiah Bell being released and Vontae Davis being traded, Wilson was expected to see a much bigger role in the Dolphins secondary. Unfortunately, the bigger role didn’t exactly work out for Wilson. I do not believe that he regressed and I do not believe he progressed. To me, Wilson kind of just stayed in the middle. The bigger role gave him an opportunity to play more snaps; however, he didn’t really make the most of the snaps. Now obviously the more snaps he got the chance of his statistics being better were imminent and that was the case. In his first season in the NFL, Wilson had a combined 16 tackles (13 total, 3 assisted), while recording an interception, two fumble recovers, five pass defends, and a blocked kick. This year he brought his combined tackle total up to 40 (34 total, 6 assisted), while recording two sacks (none the previous year), 4 pass defends, a block kick and two fumble recovers. Although his tackle total increased, he failed to intercept a pass and he actually defended less passes. That’s why I say that Wilson kind of just stayed in the middle. While he was able to improve some parts of his game, he also left a lot to be desired while he was on the field.

All in all I would say it was an ok season for Wilson. Nothing that he should really brag about; however, I do believe that he will remain on the Dolphins roster for at least another season. I just can’t see the Dolphins letting Wilson go when they’re biggest need, next to offensive line is the secondary. With Sean Smith likely to be in another uniform next season, Wilson might be given yet another second chance to prove himself. Hopefully Wilson can get his act together a little bit more on the field, while continuing to remain out of trouble off of it.

Season Grade: C-

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