He has as much potential as any other player on our roster with two years of experience or less. Truly freakish athleticism for a TE. Needs to improve the consistency of his hands and focus to avoid drops this off-season. Also must continue to improve as an in-line blocker. Both are key.
I could envision him competing for a starting position in the base offense if he works hard to improve those elements of his game. Jimmy Graham I see as our starting Split End, our go-to #1 receiver outside. He is, after all, a big WR not a true blocking TE. Trying to turn him into an in-line blocker in our offense would be like attempting to fit a square peg into a round hole. If Graham plays SE, Baldwin moves back to his natural flanker position and splits time in the slot with Graham. That leaves the possibility that we start someone like Willson at the TE position.
Graham-Baldwin-Willson would give us a dynamic three receiving options in the base offense. Kearse would play flanker when they go three wide with Graham and Baldwin alternating between slot and SE. Richardson gives them another threat at flanker when he returns from injury, as the eventual replacement for Kearse's role. Until Richardson returns midseason, Lockette can take his limited snaps.
Bottom line, no one should be writing off Willson just yet. The potential to start this season is there for the taking. He just needs to seize this opportunity by the balls and not let up. 3rd year is when we tend to see the biggest gains in a player's development.