Going into the 2022 season, there are a few players who are under a ton of pressure. Which players are under the most pressure?
The 2022 NFL season is set to be an ultra-competitive one. After the 2022 NFL Draft, teams put the finishing touches on their roster.
As they dive into the offseason activities, certain players will be under the most pressure to perform.
A lot of these players are quarterbacks. Young quarterbacks are often tasked with making big leaps in their development in years two or three.
Going into 2022, this is still the case for some.
Other quarterbacks are able to come in and immediately be effective, answering any questions about their long-term viability in the league.
Chargers’ Justin Herbert was able to do this, while the Bills’ Josh Allen took a few years to hit his stride.
The development of every player, not just quarterbacks, can vary for many reasons.
Although in the NFL, there are often certain years that players need to make a leap. For example, rookie quarterbacks who struggled in year one are expected to make a noticeable leap in year two.
And even quarterbacks who weren’t all the way there in year two are expected to make a leap in year three.
So, which players are under the most pressure heading into 2022?
NFL Players under most pressure headed into 2022 season
1. Zach Wilson, QB, New York Jets
Zach Wilson is in a good spot in year two. His General Manager, Joe Douglas, has done a ton of quality work putting pieces around him to succeed.
He hired a Shanahan guy to lead the team and implement the notoriously QB-friendly offense.
He’s also invested in his pass catchers, recently drafting or signing all of Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, and Garrett Wilson.
Douglas has also invested in the offensive line the last few seasons, signing players like Connor McGovern, Laken Tomlinson, and drafting players like Alijah Vera-Tucker and Mekhi Becton.
In year one, Wilson was bad, which was understandable. There was a new coaching staff, coupled with the rather predictable history of rookie quarterbacks struggling in year one.
Being that Douglas has held this role for four years, he’s approaching a crucial time for his job security.
If Wilson is not able to take a leap in year two, that would leave him with his future in the NFL in question, and also may prompt Joe Douglas to look at other avenues to get the quarterback position right.