Michael Wiley, RB, Arizona
Size:
Height: 5’10.5”
Weight: 210 pounds
Arm Length: 30”
Hand Size: 9 1/4"
Accomplishments:
All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention (2022)
“Michael Wiley is a one-speed type of runner who can overpower tacklers yet lacks the footwork and burst to find open grass.”
Strengths:
Hands
Low pad level
Physicality
Gap runner
Concerns:
Acceleration
Agility
Film Analysis:
Michael Wiley is a one-speed type of runner who can overpower tacklers yet lacks the footwork and burst to find open grass. He’s slow to identify rushing lanes on outside zone, meaning his run style could find its quickest success in a gap-oriented approach upfront. Will live on a north-south plane as a runner.
Wiley plays with pop behind his pads but lacks the leg drive and play strength to plow past defenders. His pad level is excellent, and his skill set should not be limited to short down and distances. However, his current skill set could limit his success when asked to stretch defenses to the fringe areas. Shortening his stride after receiving the handoff would help his change of direction ability to locate vacant alleys. Will often overextend his stride to gain ground past the mesh point, ultimately limiting his ability to stick his foot in the ground and change paths.
He’s tough to take down in open space due to his physicality but lacks the burst and wiggle to churn extra yards. Finishes every run by lowering his shoulder. Excellent vision on designated touches (Utah) and has experience on delayed opportunities out of the backfield and out wide on tunnel screens. He was also dynamic in one-on-ones at the Senior Bowl.
Wiley’s evaluation enters a new stratosphere as a pass-catcher—his third-down ability is evident. He’s comfortable running routes out of the backfield and out wide. Smooth hands and quick to work upfield. Not a twitchy or dynamic separator by any means, but has showcased the ability to sink, redirect, and change direction quickly against slower linebackers and smaller safeties. Willing in pass pro.
Overall, Wiley’s immediate path to snaps could come on passing downs where his ability out of the backfield should present opportunities.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific
Exposures: Utah (2023), Arizona State (2022), Senior Bowl (2023)
