David Braun Compares Northwestern’s Griffin Wilde to NFL Receiver

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Northwestern wide receiver Griffin Wilde continues to turn heads, and head coach David Braun is taking notice.

Following another impressive performance from Wilde in Northwestern's dominant victory over Ball State, Braun offered high praise for the star receiver, drawing a comparison to Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson.

But the comparison wasn't necessarily about Wilde's ability to make big catches or create explosive plays.

It was about something that often goes unnoticed: blocking.

When asked about Wilde's willingness to contribute as a blocker despite his growing role in Northwestern's passing game, Braun reflected on his time coaching at North Dakota State, where he worked with Watson.

"I think back to my time with Christian Watson," Braun said. "I didn't directly coach Christian. I was the defensive coordinator at the time."

Braun explained that Watson was an explosive receiver, but his contributions went beyond catching passes.

"Christian was certainly explosive in the passing game, but he had to earn his right to catch those passes by being consistent in run blocking," Braun said.

That same mentality is something Braun sees developing in Wilde.

For Braun, a player's willingness to contribute when the football isn't coming his way says a lot about his commitment to the team.

"You want to see how much a person really cares about the team, take a look at them on special teams or when the ball isn't in their hands, especially as a skill player," Braun said. "And Griff shows that consistently."

It is high praise for a receiver who has quickly become one of Northwestern's most important offensive weapons.

Wilde has continued to build chemistry with quarterback Aidan Chiles throughout the season, and that connection is becoming increasingly noticeable.

Against Indiana, Wilde caught six passes for 56 yards and two touchdowns, helping Northwestern nearly pull off an upset against one of the nation's top teams.

He continued making plays against Ball State, including a touchdown reception on Northwestern's second offensive possession.

The Wildcats marched 92 yards on nine plays before Chiles connected with Wilde in the end zone, helping Northwestern build an early 14-point lead.

It was another example of the connection developing between Northwestern's quarterback and one of his favorite targets.

Whether it's making a difficult catch, finding space in coverage or providing a reliable option downfield, Wilde continues finding ways to contribute to Chip Kelly's offense.

And the more comfortable Chiles becomes in Kelly's system, the more dangerous that connection could become.

But what makes Wilde particularly valuable is his willingness to contribute in areas that don't necessarily show up in the box score.

Northwestern has established a dangerous rushing attack this season, including a 413-yard performance against Penn State.

For that type of offense to succeed, everyone needs to contribute, including the receivers on the outside.

Wilde's willingness to block and create opportunities for his teammates is something Braun clearly values.

And despite the praise, Northwestern's coaching staff believes there is still room for improvement.

Braun mentioned that offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and the receivers coach continue challenging Wilde to become an even better blocker.

That is an encouraging sign for a young player who is already making a significant impact.

Wilde is not simply being asked to catch passes and score touchdowns. He is being pushed to become a complete receiver who can contribute in every aspect of the game.

And that mentality is exactly what Braun wants from his players.

The comparison to Watson is especially interesting considering the NFL receiver's path from North Dakota State to professional football.

Watson developed into one of the most explosive receivers in college football before being selected by the Packers in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

While Wilde is still developing his own game, receiving that type of recognition from a coach who has worked with Watson is certainly meaningful.

Northwestern's offense has taken a major step forward under Kelly, and Wilde has become an important part of that success.

His connection with Chiles continues to grow, his confidence appears to be increasing and he is finding ways to make an impact even when the football isn't in his hands.

For Northwestern, that is exactly the type of player who can help build a successful offense.

Wilde is already showing that he can make big plays as a receiver.

But as Braun's comments suggest, what makes him special might be everything else he does to help the Wildcats win.

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