New York Jets 7-round mock draft: Zach Wilson takes over Gang Green

After a conservative Free Agency, the New York Jets have one of the most important drafts in their history in order to restore this franchise.

The New York Jets have spent their money conservatively and wisely in the offseason. Despite the fact that they had the second most cap space in the league, general Joe Douglas made sure not to dish out huge contracts to overpay for talent. Instead the Jets handed out many one-year deals and made sure not to pay a ridiculous amount for players, such as receiver Corey Davis.

These signings are, however, exciting. Most notably, the Jets have a scary defensive line after surrounding Quinnen Williams with the likes of Carl Lawson — who could  be the first dominant edge rusher the Jets have seen in a long time — as well as Sheldon Rankins and veteran Vinny Curry.

New head coach Robert Saleh will hope to create a defensive line as frightening as the one he coached with San Francisco. This may be the first position group the Jets in a while which is above league average.

Nevertheless, there are improvements still to make and holes to fill on the roster. New York must use the 2021 NFL Draft in order to bolster this roster. A playoff run may not be imminent but the Jets must see the prospect of fighting for a postseason berth in 2022. This upcoming draft may be the most important in recent Jets history. And that starts with the No. 2 pick and a new direction under center.

New York Jets 7-round mock draft resetting the QB position

Here, the Jets come to the decision that it is time to move on from Sam Darnold and reset this franchise with a new quarterback to wear the Gotham Green: BYU’s Zach Wilson.

Wilson’s meteoric rise in 2020 has been fully justified. He is a remarkable quarterback who has produced some of the best tape in the 2020 season. The 6-3, 210-pounder sent his draft stock skyrocketing with 33 touchdowns, only three interceptions, 10 rushing touchdowns and a remarkable completion rate of 73.5 percen while leading BYU to a 11-1 season.

This earns him the spot at No. 2 in the draft. He has shown throughout the season why he deserves this spot. He has lethal accuracy throwing deep and is superb on the run. Furthermore, his decision-making is exceptional both in the pocket and escaping it.

He had the highest grade according to PFF (subscription required) last season throwing outside the pocket and the highest under pressure grade as well of any quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Under pressure specifically, he recorded 353 drop backs with only four turnover worthy passes, which is even more incredible when factored it that his average depth of target was 10.9 yards.

Another reason the Jets take Wilson here is of how good the scheme fit is. New offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, ex-passing game coordinator for the 49ers, looks set to bring in a heavily-Kyle Shanahan influenced offensive scheme. Shanahan’s offense used a lot of play action, and used it effectively. Wilson thrived under BYU’s offense which also incorporated plenty of play action.

Wilson’s accuracy, arm strength, off-platform throwing and great scheme fit in the Jets new offense is the reason New York should be very excited if they choose to bring in Wilson.