2021 NFL Draft: New York Jets opt for upside, select Zach Wilson at No. 2
To no one’s surprise, the New York Jets opted for polarizing upside and selected former BYU quarterback, Zach Wilson, second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Aside from the pairing of Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of him, Zach Wilson going to the New York Jets has been the 2021 NFL Draft’s worst kept secret.
With a new coaching staff, general manager Joe Douglas uses the second pick to grab his own franchise quarterback. After inheriting former third overall pick, Sam Darnold, Douglas will hope that Wilson can take the New York Jets to the next level.
While Darnold was viewed as the “safe”, NFL-ready when he came out in the 2018 NFL Draft, Wilson seems to be the X-Factor of this year’s quarterback class. He shows flashes of his potential sky-high ceiling throughout his film and the Jets hope to mold that promise into greatness.
Zach Wilson has shown that on the field, he can make every throw you can imagine. With arguably the most talented arm in the 2021 NFL Draft, the New York Jets are getting a true gunslinger. Something they haven’t had in a very long time.
Under new head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, both coming over from the San Francisco 49ers last season, Wilson could sort of be eased into a larger role at the next level. With the team trading away Darnold this offseason, Wilson will undoubtedly be the starter from day one. But if the right pieces are placed around him, he may not have to shoulder the entire load for the offense to succeed.
If you look at how the 49ers found success during their Super Bowl run a couple of years ago, it wasn’t because they had outstanding quarterback play. They had a well-designed and well-executed offense that allowed Jimmy Garoppolo to just be what he was. Wilson could come in and take the lid off.
With the traits that Wilson possesses, there is no limit to where this New York Jets offense and team can go. He has the talent, potential and swagger to thrive in a city like New York with a team like the Jets.
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If Douglas can surround Wilson with a great supporting cast throughout the rest of this 2021 NFL Draft, watch out for the New York Jets. Stay tuned to see what else he has up his sleeve.