With the second pick in the 2021 NFL draft, the New York Jets select Zach Wilson, quarterback, BYU.
Analysis: Wilson is a very talented quarterback who showed true growth this past season in an offense that is becoming en vogue at the next level. As we see, mobility, athleticism, and off-platform throws become prerequisites for NFL success, it would make sense that someone strong in all those areas is viewed highly by so many. He will be a Top Five pick for a reason, but I would caution people not to draw the direct parallels between him and Mahomes. They are different players who might do similar things on the field. Do not set Wilson up with such expectations. He fits with the way the sport is trending and with talent around him he could have success early in his career.
Grade: A. There are YOLO elements to Wilson’s game that will need to be smoothed out, but he’ll be a perfect fit in Mike LaFleur’s offense (which is basically Kyle Shanahan’s offense) because he has great ability to throw on the move, and he’s dominant in play-action concepts. Wilson might wind up as the Jets’ best quarterback since that Joe Namath guy got himself drafted in 1965.
