NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 32
Next
2021 NFL Draft
Jan 9, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) throws a pass in the third quarter game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Zach Wilson, QB, New York Jets

2021 stats:

  • 2,334 passing yards
  • 9 TDs, 11 INTs
  • 55.6 completion percentage
  • 69.7 passer rating
  • 4 rushing TDs

The hype for Zach Wilson was interesting. He went from a player who some saw as a possible first-round selection to suddenly the one the New York Jets were sold on at No. 2 overall. It was weird since the ceiling seemed much higher for Justin Fields and Trey Lance while the floor was also higher for Mac Jones.

Still, the Jets were convinced he was the guy and he was taking to be the face of their franchise. How did that work out?

Well, it can be summed up like this — fans were ready to turn things over to Mike White after one game starting in place of an injured Wilson. Yes, White had a huge game (and his success was short-lived) but the Jets faithful were ready for some hope and Wilson was not giving them that.

New York was just 3-10 in the 13 games Wilson started and his 55.6 completion percentage was simply unacceptable. We can say all we want that the Jets need more help around him but the truth remains that Wilson did very little in year one to silence his doubters. He’s going to need a big sophomore campaign to keep from being on the hot seat entering year three.

Grade: D-

Home/NFL Draft