Mack Wilson's diving interception on a swampy Friday in August was the start of a big week-plus for the fifth-round linebacker.
Wilson, the former Alabama middle linebacker, has continued to impress, and on Wednesday he was honored with the Maurice Bassett Award, given annually to the team's top rookie in training camp. The award was voted on by local reporters who had a front-row seat to Wilson's numerous interceptions and steady improvement while learning both the MIKE and WILL positions in Cleveland's defense.
"I have picked up on the speed of the game, learning my plays, as well," Wilson said recently. "Interceptions come when you are doing your job, and I feel like I have been in great position. When the ball gets thrown, I have been able to break on it and make a play or I am running to the ball, a tipped ball happened and I was able to catch it. I just try my best to do my job, make sure everybody else is lined up around and make sure we execute."
Teammates of Wilson's who are previous winners of the award include QB Baker Mayfield (2018), DE Myles Garrett (2017) and LB Christian Kirksey (2014).
In two preseason games, Wilson has six tackles to go along with two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown in Cleveland's preseason victory over the Redskins. It capped a week in which Wilson had at least one interception in the four practices that preceded it.
