NFL Draft Instant Analysis: How Zach Wilson Fits With New York Jets
Apr 29, 2021, 6:55 PM | Updated: 7:08 pm
Zach Wilson holds a jersey onstage after being drafted second by the New York Jets during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former BYU quarterback is officially a member of the New York Jets. The blue-chip QB prospect had gone from off the NFL radar a year ago to now the No. 2 overall pick.
Wilson goes to a New York Jets franchise that is desperately looking for the next great QB to fall into their laps and leads them to the type of glory that Patrick Mahomes has led the Kansas City Chiefs.
On the surface, it feels like a great fit for Wilson and the Jets. Everything is new in the Jets brass, with General Manager Joe Douglas leading the Jets in his first draft. A new head coach in Robert Saleh brings with him from the San Francisco 49ers Matt LaFleur to be the offensive coordinator.
With those connections to the San Francisco 49ers and likely a similar offense to that of Kyle Shanahan runs, it feels like a perfect fit for Wilson. Wilson himself said that Kyle Shanahan’s offense would be a perfect fit for his skill set back in January.
BREAKING: The @nyjets select former @CCHSFOOTBALL_ and @BYUfootball QB Zach Wilson (@zachkapono1) with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 @NFLDraft.
Read more on the @kslsports app!#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #NFLDraft #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #TakeFlight
🖼: @x_hems pic.twitter.com/lcpkKA9dUJ— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 30, 2021
What makes Zach Wilson special
Zach Wilson embodies what the modern-day NFL should be. A good athlete who can scramble out of the pocket when he needs to and has the ability to make all of the throws necessary to win at the highest levels. Off-platform throws are a specialty of Wilson’s where he can make big plays on the run.
If given time, Wilson can carve up defenses with the way he approaches the game. He’s relentless in his approach to film study and working to improve his craft. Wilson is a fan of the small details that take place when no one is watching. He enjoys the grind, and there won’t be a question of his love for the game of football.
Wilson was a leader of a BYU football program with older players due to serving missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a freshman, seniors were already taking him under their wings. He has the personality that will win over veterans with the Jets.
J-E-T-S JETS, JETS, JETS!
From Provo to New York.https://t.co/Af3dJNznQN
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 30, 2021
Areas where Zach Wilson will need to improve for the Jets
Zach Wilson had one of the nation’s best offensive lines at BYU in his junior season. Wilson will need to be able to make throws in tight windows when the pocket collapses. That is something that Wilson acknowledges he has to improve as he transitions into becoming the franchise’s face with the New York Jets.
The biggest question is will Wilson be able to handle the pressures of New York City? The number one media market in the country can eat up players when they face adversity. Adversity will happen with the Jets, who have so many areas on their roster that they need to improve. But if given the time to succeed, Wilson can become one of the NFL’s rising stars in short order.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
