When talking about a draft bust, that is a phrase to discuss a draft prospect that fails to meet expectations wherever they were drafted. Some common examples of draft busts are Zach Wilson (2nd Overall, 2021 NFL Draft), JaMarcus Russell (1st Overall, 2007 NFL Draft), Tony Mandarich (2nd Overall, 1989 NFL Draft), etc.
However, there is one player that not only is one of the biggest busts in Tennessee Titans history, but NFL history. That player is Isaiah Wilson, and when looking at his entire career in football, it had a rise, and such a tremendous fall from grace.
Wilson was a five star recruit in High School during his time in Poly Prep. There were a lot of colleges that were recruiting him including Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan. Wilson chose to play at the University of Georgia. As a freshman he was redshirted, but once he stepped onto the field, he was an anchor on the offensive line.
As a strong pass protector and run blocker, he was a fun o-lineman to watch tape on. It helps that he had position versatility to play either left or right tackle. This guy had the tools to succeed in the NFL and it wasn’t a surprise that he declared for the NFL Draft as a junior.
The 2020 NFL draft was the weirdest draft ever, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. It took place in Commissioner Roger Goodell’s basement. This draft was not only full of talented receivers but also full of offensive linemen. Isaiah Wilson was the last of seven offensive linemen taken in that class (29th overall) by the Tennessee Titans. At the time, Tennessee was looking for a replacement for Jack Conklin, who departed the team in free agency.
While some projected him as a second-round pick, there was no question that Wilson had the tools to be a first-round pick. He had good size and smooth footwork, was a consistent blocker, and had a ton of strength to overpower defenders. A problem is that his technique was a little raw, and his blocking posture wasn’t the greatest. In due time, though, through training camp, he could have cleaned up his issues on the field.
At the beginning of training camp, the cracks were starting to show. Wilson was immediately placed on the COVID-19 list and held out for a bigger payday, which was a big mistake, as he lost out on getting reps to develop.
Then came the first arrest. Wilson was at an on-campus party at Tennessee State University, and he received a warning from the campus due to his trespassing. Not only was he not supposed to be there, but there was drug usage, and he tried to evade police by almost jumping off a second-story balcony. Imagine if Isaiah Wilson went through the jump off a second-story balcony, especially with his 6’7” size and 350 lbs. He could have gotten severely hurt and ended his career right there. Thank goodness he did not jump, but it was still scary.
The 2020 NFL Season began, and it just got worse for Isaiah Wilson, who once again got placed on the Covid list when the Titans assembled their 53-man roster. Not even a week passed, and news came out that he was arrested for driving under the influence. Now this was no normal DUI. Looking further into this, he was caught doing donuts with his car and crashing into a concrete wall while under the influence. Again, another bad decision where he could have harmed not only others but himself.
Wilson did debut in the NFL, where he faced the Indianapolis Colts and only played four snaps. It was a step forward but these would be the only snaps that he would play as a Titan. Fast forward to December, where he would yet again be suspended, this time due to him violating a team rule. Later in the month placed on the Non-Football Illness list due to “personal issues’’.
Not one month later, Wilson was arrested again. This time he was in a high-speed chase going 140 mph. To make it worse, he was charged with fleeing from police, drug possession including acid and marijuana, reckless driving, reckless conduct, and speeding in a construction zone. It’s amazing that Wilson didn’t even get prison time for this incident.
When players like Taylor Lewan are speaking out, saying the kid needs help, there is a problem. After that, Wilson publicly went on social media refusing to play for the Titans ever again. As a result, Jon Robinson decided to cut ties, not even close to one year using a first-round pick on him. Wilson was on the trading block.
With Wilson wanting out, he was then traded to the Miami Dolphins for a 7th round pick swap. It was a new beginning for him. The team needed an o-lineman and wanted to secure the offensive line for Tua Tagovailoa. Well, the only thing Wilson was securing was burning any chance he got.
Wilson showed up late for his physical and orientation, blowing off his commitments to the Dolphins. Including a promise he made to participate in voluntary workouts. Instead of fulfilling his promise, he went onto social media and posted multiple videos of himself dancing with no shirt on top of a truck, promoting his potential rap career, and smoking a vape.
Keep in mind Wilson no longer has any leverage after he was traded for a 7th-round pick. He is now expendable as the Miami Dolphins did not sacrifice a ton of resources to acquire him like the Tennessee Titans did. Miami decided to cut all ties with him as a result.
Once Wilson got cut, many thought that this was the end of Wilson in the NFL. He did get tryouts with the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants as both teams needed offensive line help. Wilson signed with the New York Giants and it was clear that it was his last chance. What does he do? Well shows up out of shape, sleeps during meetings, and has a poor work ethic. It’s no wonder he didn’t last long there either, even the positional coaches went after him for his laziness.
Wilson will never play in the NFL again, and that is for the best. Wilson has now chosen to pursue a career in music as a hip hop/rapper named GG Bowser. This also was a failure, as his music never launched and he’s barely spoken publicly since. When the UFL isn’t contacting a player for offers, that’s pretty telling.
I mean, you talk about a fall from grace. Here is a guy who went from a first-round pick not even a year ago. Had a ton of potential to be a solid starter in the league. He was gifted a starting role on this team to add to his potential. He would replace Jack Conklin as the starting right tackle after the Titans failed to sign him in free agency. This guy had the world in his hands, but he just couldn’t get his head in check.
Isaiah Wilson is the biggest draft bust in Titans history and it’s not even close. This is also a franchise that drafted QB Jake Locker, OL Chance Warmack, RB Bishop Sankey, DL Kevin Dodd, and WR Dorial Green-Beckham. At least they played multiple games, Isaiah Wilson only played a total of 4 snaps. Yes, he wasn’t a top 5 pick, but he is definitely a consideration for being one of the biggest draft busts in recent NFL history. What a waste of talent.
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