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Updated: April 19, 2011, 12:22 PM
Draft Rundown
Wilkerson A Sleeper At Defensive End
Rob Phillips
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer



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(Editor's Note: Leading into the upcoming NFL Draft, which will be held April 28-30, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at several draft prospects, including some that could be potential fits with the Cowboys. Today's featured player is Temple DL Muhammad Wilkerson.)

Name: Muhammad Wilkerson
Position: Defensive Lineman
College: Temple
Height/Weight: 6-5/308
Age: 21

Did You Know? Wilkerson also was a highly recruited power forward out of Linden, N.J., who led Linden High to the 2005-06 Group IV State Championship.

Strengths: Wilkerson is a terrific athlete, versatile enough to play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. Projects best as a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4. Played defensive end and tackle in college and might be able to move inside in a three-man front. Great agility for his size, nimble on his feet and simply tough to move.

Weaknesses: Wilkerson didn't face superior competition in the Mid-American Conference, so he could need some developmental time. Needs to play with better leverage and improve his technique.

Sound Bites: NFL.com's Mike Mayock in his April 5 top-32 prospect list, ranking Wilkerson 26th: "I really like Wilkerson, and I believe he's going to be a very good five-technique. He's a little bit of a developmental project, but at the end of the day someone is going to (get) a real good player. He reminds me of Trevor Pryce."

Where He's Headed: Wilkerson has steadily risen up draft boards and is now projected to go somewhere in the mid- to late-first round.

How He Helps the Cowboys: Defensive line is a priority for the Cowboys this offseason with three veterans scheduled for free agency. No. 9 might be too high for Wilkerson, but he'd be an ideal target in a trade-down scenario. He's as physically talented as any 3-4 end in the draft and has upside as an early-entry junior.
 
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