Zach Wilson’s gathering hype train, a movement months in the making, reached a fever pitch Friday when the first-round hopeful uncorked this beauty at his BYU Pro Day.
This Mahomes-ian work of art predictably set the social media realm ablaze, even catching the eye of projected top draft pick Trevor Lawrence, who couldn’t help but admire Wilson’s craftsmanship.
One highlight-reel throw, staged in an empty Utah gym, won’t suddenly vault Wilson to No. 1 status, though the 6’2” gunslinger appears to have, at the very least, cemented himself as a consensus top-five pick in April’s NFL Draft. Some are still skeptical of Wilson, pointing to the relatively weak level of competition he saw at BYU (Boise State and Coastal Carolina were the only ranked opponents on the Cougars’ schedule last year) compared to the gauntlet faced by Lawrence and other Power 5 products like Mac Jones and Justin Fields. However, Wilson’s dual-threat skill set (10 rushing touchdowns last season) makes him an ideal fit for the modern NFL, which increasingly rewards athletic QBs who are able to make plays with their feet.
The Eagles reportedly entertained the idea of trading up for Wilson, but quickly abandoned that pursuit, instead trading their sixth overall selection to Miami. Most took that as a sign the 21-year-old won’t be available at No. 3, suggesting the Jets have zeroed in on Wilson with the second overall pick. If that’s the path New York chooses under first-year coach Robert Saleh, it would obviously spell the end of Sam Darnold’s Jets tenure.
Lawrence, of course, isn’t getting past the Jaguars at No. 1. Last year’s Heisman runner-up held his Clemson Pro Day before undergoing surgery on his non-throwing shoulder last month. Lawrence faces a 5-6-month recovery, but should be ready well in advance of Week 1.
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM Sports
Twitter | Facebook I Instagram