The Washington Redskins completed the signing of fifth-round draft pick Mark Wilson on Wednesday. Selected out of California with the 151st overall pick in last April's draft, Wilson is expected to add depth to the Redskins' offensive line while fine-tuning his skills under the tutelage of Joe Bugel, assistant head coach-offense.
"Mark's a very good, young prospect to fit into our offensive line," head coach Joe Gibbs said. "We were particularly looking at him as someone who could play both guard and tackle. He's a four-year starter [at the University of California] and he's very bright."
Wilson is the second of four Redskins' draft choices the team has signed to a rookie contract. Sixth-rounder Jim Molinaro, an offensive lineman out of Notre Dame, signed on June 21.
Safety Sean Taylor, the Redskins' first-round (fifth overall) draft pick, and tight end Chris Cooley, a third-round selection, are next.
During off-season mini-camps, Wilson and Molinaro forged a quick friendship. They both spent considerable time working with Bugel and getting plenty of reps with the backup units.
Wilson, at 6-6 and 314 pounds, was the anchor of Cal's offensive line for the last four seasons. He started all 48 games during his career and broke the school's record for consecutive starts, previously held by Todd Steussie (1990-93).
Wilson was named Cal's Most Valuable Offensive Lineman in 2003 and was the leader of an offensive line that paved the way for a 1,000-yard rusher and a 2,500-yard passer last season.
In 2002, Wilson moved from the right side to left tackle and was the key pass protector for quarterback Kyle Boller (now the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens). The Bears tied the Pac-10 record for fewest sacks allowed (25) that year and Wilson was named honorable mention All Pac-10.
As a sophomore in 2001, Wilson earned team honors in two categories: the award for the most playing time and the team's "big hit" award. In 2000, he logged an outstanding freshman campaign, grading out at 89 percent or better in 10 of his 11 starts.
Wilson was a consensus All-American in high school at Fall River in McCarthur, Calif., and was the tenth-rated offensive line prospect while also seeing time at tight end. He caught 16 passes for 480 yards and two touchdowns and led his team to a 10-1 mark and the Evergreen League co-championship as a senior. Wilson was also an excellent prep basketball player and an all-state selection as a senior.
