Not to belabor the point... but, isn't the point in the OP being discussed concerning a comparison between RW and CK, not if they are great or not?
Though he never played a down in the NFL... Ernie Davis was a GREAT RB. Perhaps some would reserve that term for those who have played many seasons... and be more comfortable attaching a term like "special" - which carries with it potential to be mentioned one day as one of the greats. Everyone brings up the argument that a player isn't great unless they've played in the league for a subjective amount of time. That might be generally true for good reason (which is why it's not really going out on a limb to note that), but doesn't always apply - at least IMO. Perhaps at least one might grant that a player may be called "great" at least in the colloquial sense - of course not crowning either yet as one of the all time greats. I don't see anyone going quite that far (though it's not unheard of to see that in a rookie or 2nd year player. Think Elway, Marino, etc.)
While standing next to and conversing with Ken Griffey, Jr. last summer (watching youth football) BEFORE the season started last year, he told me flat out that Russell Wilson is a special player (and he was going up to Seattle for the Dallas game.) He spoke much more highly of RW than that... but, since that was nearly a year ago, I don't wish to be quoting him verbatim as I do not wish to put words in his mouth.
Drew Brees had a few nice things to say as well:
http://www.seahawks.com/news/articles/a ... 5157d5d880 I've heard comparisons to Fran Tarkenton, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, etc. Those are lofty comparisons TO Greats. Who is CK being compared to? I haven't heard a thing and I don't live in Seattle. I live in Florida and hear talk about all teams (but usually not kind about Seattle.) Yes, CK in the NFL playing for a pretty good team. If both RW and CK were playing for struggling teams... I know which one I would want under center.
Russell Wilson is special. In my estimation, we're seeing a QB early in his career (like and Elway and Marino) who will be known as a great... especially in comparison to CK.