Zach Wilson 2021 NFL Draft profile: Fantasy football outlook, scouting report, pro comparison, team fits, more

Zach Wilson has loved an increase up draft boards just like what we noticed from Patrick Mahomes previous to his remaining collegiate season to the top of it,, however Wilson’s ascension trumped even that of Mahomes when it comes to draft inventory and he’s already now mentioned as a possible choice for the New York Jets at No. 2 total (round this time previous to the 2018 draft, Mahomes was simply beginning to transfer into the first-round dialog). It is no coincidence that each Mahomes and Wilson share an elite trait: arm expertise. 

For those who’re betting on Wilson, you are betting on that very same trait that helped each Mahomes and Justin Herbert discover early success on the NFL degree after not at all times dominating on the collegiate degree. Wilson is nowhere shut to a whole prospect or quarterback, and it is not possible to know what sort of affect enjoying behind an elite offensive line may have as he makes an attempt to translate to the following degree, but it surely’s not possible to go greater than a few sequence with out seeing him full NFL-level issue throws to all three ranges of the sector.

Wilson additionally consistently demonstrates the ability to create plays with each his legs and arm outdoors of construction when the pocket breaks down, which is extra vital within the NFL now than perhaps ever earlier than.

We’re breaking down every thing you’ll want to learn about Wilson from a Fantasy supervisor perspective, together with most closely fits, dynasty outlook, measurables, scouting report, key stats and an NFL comparability.

Fantasy suits

San Francisco 49ers

Though it appears unlikely San Francisco can sit at No. 12 total and have a possibility to land Wilson, stranger issues have occurred within the draft. The 49ers might additionally get aggressive and commerce up for Wilson if the Jets choose to draft Justin Fields or bypass QB and stick to Sam Darnold. Regardless, there is no higher match for Wilson’s skillset than Kyle Shanahan’s offensive design apart from perhaps Andy Reid’s (and at BYU, Wilson’s offense stole a number of performs straight out of Reid’s playbook). With a top-10 offensive line, plus ability gamers like Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle, that is the perfect spot for Wilson.

New York Jets

A extra possible suitor on condition that New York owns the No. 2 total choose, the Jets are additionally a powerful match primarily based on how we will challenge their system to look below first-year offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. After coming over from San Francisco with Robert Saleh, LaFleur is anticipated to convey with him an identical system to Shanahan’s with the 49ers. The Jets have taken strides to rebuild their offensive line, Denzel Mims might take a 12 months 2 leap with improved QB play, and so they have the cap area plus draft capital to improve a number of ability positions this offseason.

Carolina Panthers

If Carolina have been to draft Wilson and provides him an opportunity to start out instantly, it is perhaps the one touchdown spot than can compete with San Francisco. With the Panthers franchise tagging Taylor Moton, they’re going to have bookend tackles for Wilson plus Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson and doubtlessly Curtis Samuel to supply him on the ability positions.

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Dynasty outlook

In a single-QB dynasty codecs, Wilson is available in at No. 11 total for me, simply behind Trevor Lawrence. In superflex and two-QB codecs, he is high 5 on my large board. If you have not already picked up on it, I am pushing most or all of my poker chips to the center of the desk on Wilson. Betting on elite traits that stand out above the competitions has been a wonderful means for NFL teams to establish blue chip prospects and Wilson definitely has elite arm expertise. Extra particularly, betting on arm expertise has been fruitful in three of the final 4 draft courses (Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert).

Scouting report

Strengths

• Uncommon arm expertise that exhibits up greater than ever when Wilson is tasked with throwing from an unbalanced base/platform. Wilson does not have to have his ft set to generate throwing energy and accuracy.
• Pinpoint ball placement to all three ranges of the sector, incomes elite 2020 grades (per PFF) as each an intermediate and deep thrower.
• Does not put the soccer in hurt’s means usually (simply 1.2% of all of Wilson’s performs deemed “turnover worthy” per PFF).
• A very easy thrower with a compact throwing movement that does not function any wasted motion — just like Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
• Artistic at avoiding strain within the pocket, avoiding sacks, and handing over optimistic performs — just like former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
• Underrated athleticism and speeding capability each as a scrambler and on designed runs (642 profession speeding yards, 15 TDs).

Considerations

• Small pattern measurement. Wilson broke out throughout the 2020 season at BYU however did not make a lot of an imprint throughout his earlier two seasons.
• Has handled accidents prior to now. Shoulder and hand accidents restricted him throughout the 2019 season.
• Wilson performed behind an elite offensive line, particularly relative to its competitors. Wilson completed with a 96.5 PFF grade from a clear pocket below no strain and a 74.1 PFF grade when pressured.
• Was not pressed to return off his first learn too usually at BYU, and sometimes occasions when he was, he opted to bail from the pocket and use his legs to create — the latter generally is a blessing and a curse.
• Wilson by no means confronted a slew of highly-ranked opponents or high defenses whereas enjoying at BYU

Stats breakdown

Superior stats to know

• Highest-graded QB vs. zone protection (95.9) in 2020, per Professional Soccer Focus
• Second-highest correct go share (59.0%) in 2020 on throws previous the first-down marker, per PFF
• Second-highest graded QB (92.3) in two-minute drills in 2020, per PFF
• Fourth-best adjusted completion share, per PFF
• Third-best turnover-worthy play charge (1.2%), per PFF

NFL comparability

The extra you watch Wilson, the extra you see a number of totally different former NFL quarterbacks present up in his play. There isn’t any former quarterback I see extra of in Wilson than Tony Romo. However I additionally see bits and items of Baker Mayfield and Brett Favre. Wilson’s lightning-quick and compact launch is harking back to Rodgers.