Dan Wilkinson’s Run Comes to an End

Truthfully, I didn’t even know the guy was still in the league. Then again, the same thing could’ve been said for him 12 years ago. It’s a sad reality. So yes, the Dolphins cut Big Daddy Wilkinson on Monday, raising the probability that the defensive tackle will retire. This is a landmark day in the NFL, no matter what you think. I’ll explain.

Big Daddy is a former no. 1 overall pick in the 1994 draft by the Bengals. While the talent of quarterbacks and other skill position players is hard to judge, lineman are considered to be more guaranteed selections. In turn, Cincy was expecting to have a Pro Bowl defensive lineman who could pressure the quarterback for an entire decade. Instead, they got a lineman who didn’t live up to the hype, only staying with the Bengals for four years, and never really making a name for himself anywhere else he went.

Wilkinson’s inevitable retirement marks the end of the Bengals’ drafting ineptitude. It all started with first round pick out of Houston, QB David Klingler, who was selected 6th overall in 2002. He played in just 33 games, throwing for 16TDs and 21INTs in his career. In 1995, Ki-Jana Carter was taken with the first overall pick in the draft. He tore up his knee and never recovered. He played in just 57 games, retiring in ’03 with 20 career TDs and a 3.6ypc average. Then, the 3rd pick in the 1999 draft, Akili Smith, might have been the biggest bust of all. He managed just 21 games in the NFL, getting outclassed by even Ryan Leaf. Smith’s career numbers include 5TD passes and 13INTs.

Looks like Big Daddy was the most productive of all the busts — you know, if that’s something to boast about. And Wilkinson’s going to be opening up some AAMCO Transmission shops. Best of luck to him. And cheers to the Bengals for finally getting their scouting together. Now, about the character issues…