FanPost

Is Mike Wallace the next Willie Reid?

In the BTSC discussion of the Steelers' pick of Mike Wallace, I've noticed a few people ask/wonder if Wallace will follow the path of Willie Reid.  Both were 3rd round WR that were supposed to contribute as returners and possibly in the passing game.  The comparison seemed interesting to me, and it tempered my optimism about the potential of this pick to improve the offense and special teams.  

I used ESPN DB to compile some quick stats about the college careers of the two players. 

College & Combine Stats

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Stat

Mike Wallace

Willie Reid

Height

6’0”

5’10”

Weight

199

190

40 time

4.33

4.34

Vertical

40

37.5

Broad

129

117

College Seasons

3

2

Receptions

101

65

Rec. Yards

1610

820

YPC

15.9

12.6

TD

15

2

Punt Returns

1

77

PR Yards

0

1063

PR Average

0

13.8

PR Long

0

87

PR TD

0

3

Kick Returns

56

12

KR Yards

1344

212

KR Average

24

17.6

KR Long

98

25

KR TD

2

0

Fumbles

0

0

Total Points

104

30

 

Reid's Stats

Wallace's Stats

 

So what can we conclude from this?  I'm going to venture the following:

  • Wallace is more explosive (see combine, averages)

  • Wallace was much better as a KR.   Looking at Reid's pedestrian 25 yard long KR, his lack of NFL success at that task isn't surprising.

  • Reid was  a good PR in college, but we really don't have data on Wallace, since he only had one attempt for a fair catch.  (BTW, I'd love someone who better understands the difference between KR and PR to fill in some here).  

     

  • Check out the difference in total points.  Even if we extend Reid's production to a third year, his projected 45 points is less than half of Wallace's total.  Wallace was clearly more productive and dangerous.
  • Wallace production shows he is at least more likely to have an impact for the Steelers - as a KR in the near term and potentially as a WR in the medium to longer term.
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Of course, this isn't the only (or even best) way to compare these players, but I'm bit more optimistic about Wallace's chances right now.

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