With just over a month until 2021 NFL Draft, did the New York Jets finally decide on their future QB? According NFL sources close to the Pro Football Network, it looks like the Jets are determined to usher in a new era with Sam Darnold out and Zach Wilson as the second overall choice later this spring.
Speaking on this week’s Draft Insiders program (clip above), PFN’s chief NFL analyst Trey Wingo said: “I’m sure, Tony [Pauline] is hearing the same thing, but it sure sounds like [Zach Wilson will be a New York Jet]. “
Pauline, PFN Chief Draft Analyst and NFL Insider, explained: “Last night [March 23], the word in the league circles was very likely that Sam Darnold was out, they will trade him and it will be Zach Wilson. “
A sense of inevitability for Sam Darnold’s departure as Jets QB
The news that the Jets want to move on Sam Darnold as a caller it shouldn’t be a surprise. The third overall choice in the 2018 NFL Draft has had a mediocre career so far. To be fair, the hand he received from the Jets was not always a winner. However, his historic struggles could spell trouble for general manager Joe Douglas if the Jets chose to keep him as their starting QB.
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For several weeks, Tony Pauline hinted that the feeling around the league is that a Darnold’s departure would be the best thing for – above all – Douglas’ job security in New York. He reiterated the fact again last night.
“As we said in this program, people in the league think that, for the sake of self-preservation, it is better for Joe Douglas to take Zach Wilson instead of staying with Sam Darnold. Because if he stays with Sam Darnold in 2021, and Sam Darnold fails in 2021, it’s not a good sign for Joe Douglas. “
Jets offseason appoints Zach Wilson as Sam Darnold’s apparent heir
Although the writing seemed to be on the wall for Sam Darnold, the Jets’ QB position seemed less certain. Many linked the organization to several defenders. These options range from negotiation for the Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson to sketch one of Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Zach Wilson with second overall choice in the 2021 NFL Draft.
It seems that the Jets’ decision about the future QB is becoming more evident – and the answer is not Sam Darnold. In addition, his off-season moves seem to gravitate towards the former BYU defender, as the franchise’s new face arrives this fall. These changes began with the hiring of Robert Saleh as head coach and, perhaps more importantly, the hiring of the former San Francisco 49ers who passed game coordinator Mike LaFleur as the new offensive coordinator.
“Zach Wilson is perfect for his offensive system,” said Pauline. “The offensive system that the Jets are going to install is not going to be a vertical attack. It will be a timing offense. “
In addition, the addition of former Tennessee Titans receiver Corey Davis to the free agency adds fuel to Zach Wilson’s fire.
Pauline continued, “That’s why they hired Corey Davis. Because he is a good route runner, he knows how to separate. Yards after capture. When you want yards after receiving, it’s usually because your defender can’t throw the ball 55 yards on the field, which Zach Wilson can’t. “
The rise of Zach Wilson to 2021 dear NFL Draft and potential Jets QB
Interestingly, during his introductory video call with the media, Davis hinted that he arrived in New York expecting Sam Darnold to be the Jets QB. Now, it looks like it will be Zach Wilson. Why the Jets fell in love with the first BYU’s quarterback as its future face of the franchise?
Pauline said, “Wilson has – his star is – growing over the course of the season. Scouts love the way he processes information. We have talked about this on this program since November. He sees the field, knows what is going to happen and makes good decisions ”.
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Entering the college football season of 2020, the question on everyone’s lips was who would take the meteoric leap out of nowhere to become the first round pick, just like Joe Burrow did last season. As the season progressed, it became clear that this player would be Zach Wilson. His unbelievable game is because the Jets are considering him instead of Sam Darnold.
Pauline explained, “He’s a lot like Joe Burrow. Last year, Joe Burrow entered the season on a fifth round note and then had a phenomenal year. Finished the first choice of the draft. Zach Wilson, by the way, entered the year with a note from the fifth round of the Boy Scouts. It didn’t have the same season that Joe Burrow did. “
Zach Wilson’s translatable skill set is shown in the final season with BYU
How do your seasons compare? Well, Burrow shot for 5,671 yards, 60 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, while completing 76.3% of his stellar passes. He took LSU to a national title, winning the Heisman Trophy in the process. Wilson certainly did not reach those heights, but it was still impressive for BYU.
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People will try to lower their level of competition. However, he still completed 73.5 percent of his passes for 3,692 yards and launched 30 touchdowns (with only 3 interceptions). He also showed his athleticism with 10 running touchdowns. His ability to create plays with his legs is a significant feature that NFL scouts want from a quarterback. This playing ability is part of his rich tapestry that should lead him to replace Sam Darnold as the Jets QB.
Pauline said: “Scouts see enough things that translate well to the next level. That’s why they like him so much. That’s why he changed the recruitment boards so much. And that’s why I think he’s going to wear a New York Jets shirt. “
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Oliver Hodgkinson is a writer for the Pro Football Network. You can follow him on Twitter at @ojhodgkinson.