Wilson likes competition
RENTON, Wash. – When Ken Lucas was signed by the Seahawks this offseason, he was immediately penciled into the starting lineup at cornerback ahead of Josh Wilson.
And Lucas may be the front-runner to start at cornerback opposite Marcus Trufant – that is if Trufant’s back gets better anytime soon – but don’t expect Wilson to slip down the depth chart without putting up a fight.
“When they bring a guy in, they’re trying to make us all better,” said Wilson. “The best man is still going to play. I’m one of the most competitive guys out here, so whether they bring somebody in or not, I’m always going to try to outplay myself. I’m not really trying to outplay anybody else, I’m trying to outplay myself, and if I can do that, then I hope I can be one of the best players on the team, and that’s what my goal is.”
Besides, Wilson is hardly surprised by the signing. After all, as he points out, Wilson was somebody else’s competition not long ago. A second-round draft pick in 2007, Wilson last year took a starting job away from Kelly Jennings, a first-round pick in 2006.
“It’s not anything like, ‘They brought a guy in, that’s total disrespect,’ ” Wilson said. “No, it’s just competition, and if they weren’t trying to make this team better, we’d be in trouble.”
Wilson, who started 12 games last season, including the final 10 of the season, has big-play ability, as has been made evident by his 75-yard touchdown on an interception last year, and an 89-yard kickoff return for a score his rookie season. But at 5-foot-9, his size is a concern for a team that plays in the same division as several physical receivers.
Of course, having the league’s worst pass defense last year isn’t helping anybody’s case in the secondary. But Wilson still thinks he can be an elite corner despite his height and last year’s results, and plans to use this preseason to show it.
And if Trufant, who has been on the physically unable to perform list for all of training camp, doesn’t return soon, Wilson and Lucas provide a potential starting duo that has starting experience even without the Pro Bowler.