The New York Jets made a major change this offseason when they decided to trade quarterback Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers. After rumors were swirling all offseason long that he could be moved, the franchise finally made the decision. That paved the road for them to take BYU standout quarterback Zach Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Zach Wilson: Jets Rookie Year Predictions
Wilson heading to the Jets was a known conclusion long before the team actually pulled the trigger on the Darnold trade. They were not going to pass up on a young quarterback with superstar potential. Darnold simply never gave them a reason to believe that he could be “the guy” long-term that would lead them to a Super Bowl.
It has been an interesting offseason for the Jets, to say the least. They made a few moves in free agency, including signing veteran defensive end Vinny Curry, running back Tevin Coleman, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, tight end Tyler Kroft, safety Lamarcus Joyner, wide receiver Keelan Cole, wide receiver Corey Davis, defensive end Carl Lawson, and cornerback Justin Hardee.
While those moves may not be bringing in superstars, they are all quality players who will help the Jets improve from a dismal season in 2020. Add in the selection of a new franchise quarterback in Wilson, and New York has to feel good about the work they have put in.
During his college career with the Cougars, Wilson completed 67.6 percent of his pass attempts for 7,652 yards, 56 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. He also picked up 642 yards and another 15 touchdowns on the ground. Those numbers show why so many teams would love to get their hands on the young quarterback.
All of that being said, let's take a look at three (3) early predictions for Zach Wilson during his rookie season with the Jets during the 2021 NFL season.
3. Immediate Starter For The Entire Season
There is no question that the Jets are going to start Wilson for the entire season. He was drafted No. 2 overall to be the starter and that isn't going to change. The keys to the franchise are going to be handed over to him from the get-go.
Wilson has the leadership skills to take over an offense as a rookie. He has been compared to former NFL quarterback Jake Plummer by NFL.com, which isn't the best comparison, but Plummer always worked hard and his teammates respected him and had his back. More than likely, Wilson will exceed that comparison very quickly.
New York is all-in with their new young quarterback and he will make the most of that opportunity. This is a move that the Jets will look back on and be very happy that they didn't second guess themselves.
2. He Throws Less Than 10 Interceptions
Making the jump from college football to the NFL can be a daunting task for a young quarterback. Many star college quarterbacks are unable to handle the pressure or adjust to the speed and athleticism of professional defenses. That can lead to high turnover numbers, which can completely shake the confidence of a young quarterback.
Despite the fact that many young quarterback struggle with high turnover numbers, the Jets are not going to see their rookie have those issues. Wilson will take care of the football and will throw fewer than 10 interceptions as a rookie.
Wilson has a very high football IQ and his arm is both strong and accurate. He can read defenses well and he is a true student of the game. Those skill sets will take him far at the next level and his career will start off strong with low turnover numbers leading the charge.
1. Zach Wilson Wins Offensive Rookie of the Year
Now this would be considered a very bold prediction by many fans and analysts. With the Jacksonville Jaguars taking Trevor Lawrence No. 1 overall in this NFL Draft, the expectation is that he will win Offensive Rookie of the Year. That will not end up being the case, folks.
Even though the Jets don't have any superstar weapons for Zach Wilson, they have enough to make their offense dangerous. Wilson will take care of the football and will end up throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and at least 28 touchdowns.
Those numbers will power him to winning the prestigious award, making Jets fans everywhere swoon at the sound of his name. Wilson will silence all of his critics and will end up becoming a star for the Jets. His rookie season will be impressive, but that is only the first step in a very long process of taking the Jets back to being a legitimate contender in the AFC.
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