Christian Wilkins & Akiem Hicks are solid comps
Miami Dolphins nailed their 2019 1st Round draft pick by selecting Christian Wilkins 13th Overall. The kid has grown better on the field every season and was a leader from Day 1. Now, Wilkins is playing on his 5th Year option and will be a free agent next season unless Miami pays big to keep him. The good news is Wilkins looks to have his best season yet with the addition of Vic Fangio…
…The problem is this will only raise his already sky-high price tag. But, the 2023 Season is so critical, fans should just be dialed in on the possibilities of what havoc Wilkins will wreck this season. And when you compare how Fangio raised the game of Akiem Hicks on the Bears, the carnage Wilkins could create this season looks to be very high because these players are excellent comps for each other–with Wilkins a bit higher upside.
The knock on Wilkins is his pass rush
Fangio coached Hicks from 2016-2018 and those were the best years of his career. Hicks generated his most sacks and tackles and was considered one of the most potent interior forces during that time.
As for production, both had very comparable numbers during their first 4 seasons with the exception of Wilkins having monster seasons in 2021 and 2022 against the run.
Now if you look at their NFL combine numbers to guage their physical talents for comparison, they are near identical with Hicks a little taller and longer and Wilkins a little more stout and faster.
Considering the similarity in production and athletic talents, it’s a darn good bet with the best pay per heads that the potential for Wilkins to take that pass-rushing leap like Hicks is very good.
But, Wilkins has played at a higher level than Hicks going into his first season with Fangio. This means we could see something even more dominating than Hicks and something very, very expensive to retain Wilkins beyond this season. This is why Jimmy and I are hoping something can get worked out before the season starts.
I think Wilkins is the better player and the kid is hungry in a contract year! Look for something very special from Wilkins this season folks! Let’s just hope Miami can keep him here beyond that with a second contract. Go Phins!!!