Anytime you’re the second pick in the NFL Draft, there will be pressure, and the expectations will be high. That was the case for New York Jets backup quarterback Zach Wilson.
The 24-year-old, the second pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Jets, started 13 games as a rookie and struggled. Last season, Wilson’s struggles continued. Ultimately, because of his struggles, Wilson would lose the starting job to Mike White, and with the addition of Aaron Rodgers in the offseason, Wilson is a full-time backup, which could be a good thing.
Wilson got his second consecutive preseason start against the Buccaneers on Saturday. He played the entire first half and completed eight of 12 passes for 70 yards, and two carries for 41 yards, including an electrifying 35-yard scamper. He led New York on two scoring drives, which ended in field goals.
With Rogers around, the third-year quarterback is receiving less attention and is flying under the radar, which he discussed after the team’s loss to the Buccaneers on Saturday night.
“Sometimes, if the eyes are off of you, it gives you great opportunity to learn,” Wilson said. “I definitely think that is helping because I am able to really sit there and learn from Aaron, learn his reps, but I do feel like regardless of the situation, I would’ve been this comfortable, confident feel anyways. I would like to hope so, at least, just with change of scenery, change of environment, and things. Just going into the offseason trying to improve and get better, I feel like also probably helped. I would definitely say it’s part of it too.”
Last week, Rodgers said he might play three to five more years, and from there, he wants Wilson to be the man in New York after that. Wilson reacted to the comments; he’s happy Rodgers thinks so highly of him.
“That’s the goal to play as long as you can,” Wilson said. “That helps me know that he believes in me and I can play on the team for a long time. That’s why I am around him so much. I truly appreciate him as a big brother like that.”
Obviously, outside of injury, Wilson will not play much this season. However, he believes he can learn by watching an all-time great like Rodgers.
“Standing behind Aaron and seeing each rep that he takes, there’s a lot of good learning<” Wilson explained. “I think in the quarterback position, you can almost be just as beneficial to watch as it is playing. You never get the true feel until you’re done. To play games, you’re able to kind of see what that’s like, so I learned to pay attention, and ask questions and understand why he’s doing certain things.”
Wilson is in a good spot right now. How long he waits to be a starter in New York will be interesting, especially if he continues to improve going forward.
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