The 2021 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Zach Wilson 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
Background
Position: Quarterback
Size: 6-foot-3, 210 pounds
Class: Junior
2020 stats: 3,692 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 73.5 percent completion, 11.0 yards per attempt, 254 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns
Wilson rose up draft boards this season more than any other player. After his terrific junior season, Wilson has elected to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.
He was a three-star prospect, who had offers from a lot of schools, but chose to go to BYU for his college career. In his freshman season, Wilson played in nine games, finishing with 1,578 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions on 65.9 percent completion. The Cougars went 7-6 that season and finished the year with a win in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. As a sophomore, Wilson played in nine games again with 2,382 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions on 62.4 percent completion. BYU won seven games again during Wilson’s sophomore season. Wilson broke out as a junior as he passed for 3,692 yards, 33 touchdowns and three interceptions on 73.5 percent completion. The Cougars won all but one game during the 2020 season.
Wilson had a great season for the Cougars and his draft stock went up a lot as a result. He went from possibly being a mid-round pick all the way to being a projected first round pick.
Strengths
Wilson has some of the best arm strength in the draft. He throws the ball effortlessly and when it comes out of his hands it has a lot of zip. He can fit the ball into tight windows and not give defenders too much time to react. Wilson is also able to push the ball downfield for deep throws due to his very talented arm.
In 2020, Wilson displayed accuracy to all three levels of the field. He can complete short throws and fit the ball into tight windows on the intermediate level. Wilson throws some of the best deep balls in the class, as his arm strength allows him to put the ball down the field well. He also can throw receivers open based on the coverage they have.
His ability to escape the pocket is what makes him different. Wilson can feel the pressure and get out of the pocket. Once he is out of the pocket, he is a threat to run the ball or create big plays with his arm. He keeps his eyes downfield when he gets out of the pocket, which is what makes him dangerous.
Weaknesses
Wilson is the the prototype for a gunslinger. He loves when things go awry, because he can escape the pocket and make things happen. There are plenty of questions on whether he will be able to stay in the pocket and play in a more structured offense at the NFL level. While his ability to extend plays is a gift, it can also be a detrimental thing if he decides to leave the pocket too soon.
His footwork and mechanics will need to be worked on a lot in the NFL. Wilson doesn’t set his feet at all and will not only need to learn how to drop back like an NFL quarterback, but how to step into his throws. He has such a strong arm that he has relied on that rather than mechanics to become a good quarterback.
Because of injuries and his rise to stardom this season, Wilson is sort of a one-year wonder. He played much better this season than he has in any other. To make things more complicated, BYU didn’t play a very tough schedule, which means Wilson had his great season against lesser competition. His talent shows up on tape, but it would’ve been nice to see how he did against elite teams this season.
Projected Draft Range: Top 10 Pick
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