Gang Green Nation
Over the last few months, we’ve been breaking down all undrafted free agents signed by the Jets. We continue today with former West Virginia and Colorado State linebacker Chase Wilson.
The 25-year old Wilson is listed at 6’1” and 230 pounds and was a two-time all-Mountain West conference second-teamer in college. The Jets signed him after originally inviting him to their rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.
Background
Wilson was a three-star high school recruit, who headed to Colorado State in 2020. However, he didn’t record any stats in his first two seasons, as he played just two games in his freshman season and then redshirted the following year after suffering a season-ending injury in the third game.
He finally got a chance to contribute in 2022, recording 29 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two pass breakups in a reserve role.
In 2023 and 2024, Wilson was a starter and was named as a second-team all-Mountain West Conference selection in each season. He had 107 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and three passes defensed in 2023, each of which represented a career-high. He wasn’t quite as productive in 2024 but did have the first two interceptions of his career as he racked up another 98 tackles.
Ahead of the 2025 season, Wilson opted to enter the transfer portal and enrolled at West Virginia. He started every game, albeit not in a full-time role with his tackle count dropping to 46. However, he did have three sacks and two more interceptions.
Wilson was not invited to the scouting combine and wasn’t considered likely to be drafted. Having been unable to secure an undrafted free agent contract, he attended the Jets’ rookie minicamp on a tryout basis but the Jets signed him after that.
Let’s move onto some more in-depth analysis of what Wilson brings to the table, based on in-depth research and film study.
Measurables/Athleticism
Wilson has average size but his athletic numbers are solid across the board. He ran a 4.68 in the 40-yard dash and posted good explosiveness and agility numbers.
However, he only managed 18 bench press numbers, which is slightly lower than you’d typically expect for an NFL linebacker.
Usage
Wilson played in an off-ball role throughout his career, often matching up with players in the slot or following them when they motioned out wide. He was primarily the middle linebacker.
His role didn’t change in terms of his alignment but he blitzed a lot more often at West Virginia than he had while with the Rams.
Run defense
Wilson’s run defense production and grades were solid throughout his career. He is aggressive coming downhill and can cover a lot of ground from sideline-to-sideline.
He is good at reading the game and plays with patience and discipline, but is decisive once he goes after the ball carrier.
He can be over-aggressive and run himself out of plays or over-pursue from time to time.
Coverage skills
Wilson held his own in coverage, although he was exploited at...
