How an undrafted linebacker climbed the ranks of the NFL
In short: In the 2017 NFL draft, experts predicted Eric Wilson would be a mid-round selection. Instead, he entered the league as an undrafted free agent, eventually carving out a resilient career through multiple teams and high-stakes defensive plays.
Eric André Wilson, born on September 26, 1994, began his journey as a versatile athlete at Lee M. Thurston High School in Redford, Michigan. During his senior year, he demonstrated his range by playing safety, linebacker, and wide receiver, while also excelling in track as a long jump State Champion. A major shift defined his time in college; following a 2012 redshirt year at Northwestern, he joined the University of Cincinnati in 2013.
At Cincinnati, Wilson became a standout performer for the Bearcats, earning Second-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in 2015 and First-team All-AAC honors in 2016. Despite being rated as the 21st best outside linebacker by NFLDraftScout.com and predicted to be drafted in the fifth or sixth round by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, Wilson went undrafted. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings on May 1, 2017, beginning a professional journey that would see him navigate the rosters of several franchises.
Wilson's professional tenure has been defined by defensive impact across various teams. While with the Vikings, he recorded his first career sack against the Chicago Bears in 2018 and a notable interception against the Seattle Seahawks in 2020. Since then, he has played for the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, and New Orleans Saints. During a 2024 game against the Indianapolis Colts, his recent Packers comeback included an interception and a forced fumble, earning a 99.4 Pro Football Focus rating.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Eric Wilson (linebacker, born 1994)
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