Zach Wilson 2021 NFL Draft Profile

2021 NFL Draft: Zach Wilson Player Profile

Every year, a quarterback rises on draft boards thanks to his poise and production. BYU’s Zach Wilson is this year’s hotshot quarterback. The junior from Utah made a big impression in every game since he was a freshman in 2018. In high school, Wilson tossed for 2,986 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also ran for 752 yards and eight touchdowns. After a stellar high school career, Wilson initially committed to Boise State University. However, after heavy convincing from Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, Wilson committed to Brigham Young University.

Upon landing at BYU in 2018, Wilson played in nine games, starting seven. He finished his freshman year with over 1,500 passing yards and 12 touchdowns. Wilson’s numbers continued to rise each year. This past season, Wilson tossed for over 3,600 yards and 33 touchdowns to three interceptions. He also displayed toughness during BYU’s loss to Coastal Carolina, where several opposing players attempted to hold Wilson to the ground after he threw an interception. Furthermore, he displayed how much his teammates showed him great affection. Following the season, Wilson announced his intention to enter the 2021 NFL Draft.

Strengths

Great size;

Strong ability to stand in the pocket;

Not afraid to run with the football;

Plenty of arm strength;

Improved by year, establishing a vital leader status;

Can handle any offense;

Intelligent;

Loved by those who played with him;

Good ability to scan the defense;

Not afraid of bright lights.

Weaknesses

Competition suspect;

Can flinch at times;

Must work on getting rid of the ball quickly while under pressure;

Not enough tape on the deep ball;

Needs to add weight to fill out the frame.

Projection: First Round Draft Pick

Bottom Line on Zach Wilson

Zach Wilson is phenomenal. However, there have been reports stating he may be a better prospect than Trevor Lawrence. Nonetheless, he deserves to be a first-round draft pick. What is a question, however, is where he will land. At BYU, he gradually improved as the school was willing to be patient with him. In the NFL, it’s more of a business that measures strictly on results. Wilson will likely be taken within the top five, at the latest top 10, unless something would surface before the draft.

Nonetheless, he will be successful wherever he goes. In a league where the stars of the past are hanging up their cleats, Wilson is a new breath of fresh air to help the league move in a younger direction. He has the skill set to perform in the modern NFL and has winning intangibles that help him stand out. Additionally, his ability to move within the pocket and extend plays with his legs will be critical as the NFL continually shifts away from pocket passers, with the exception of reigning Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady. Whoever drafts Wilson will have a proficient player with leadership. That combination will be essential for success.

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