Why did Jets draft Zach Wilson? Report reveals franchise's belief QB was better than Trevor Lawrence
The decision to draft Zach Wilson second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft has proven to be a mistake by the New York Jets. Not only are they in the market for a new quarterback just two seasons later, but practically any other choice they could have made would have been better.
Why did the Jets even draft Wilson? Evidently, it's because there were some in the organization that believed Wilson was better than Trevor Lawrence.
Others disagreed, of course, but the Jets ended up listening to those who loved Wilson as a prospect.
One source revealed via ESPN:
"[LaFleur], along with Rex Hogan, were in 2021 draft meetings selling the narrative that there was a legit argument Wilson was better than [No. 1 overall pick] Trevor Lawrence. [Some of us], we're like, 'What the f---?!' It's one thing to like a player; it's another to pump a prospect up higher than he actually is."
To make matters worse, it appears that the Jets mishandled Zach Wilson anyway. He shouldn't have been drafted at that spot, but the organization has agreed in hindsight that they should have let him learn under a veteran for a season.
Both former offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and owner Woody Johnson gave the same sentiment.
Wilson has not panned out at all and it looks like the Jets, who are shockingly already almost contenders, are looking at every other option. That includes trading for someone like Aaron Rodgers or Derek Carr.
Wilson's Jets career is effectively over, and it's beginning to look like it never should have begun.
Who should the New York Jets have drafted instead of Zach Wilson?
Since the Jets couldn't get Trevor Lawrence, who looks like easily the best quarterback of the class, the Jets had the option of every other quarterback available.
Explore the 2024 NFL Draft with our free Mock Draft Simulator. Take charge of your preferred NFL team as if you were the GM, engaging in an immersive experience of mock drafting and strategic decision-making.
It's clear that the other first-rounders, Trey Lance, Mac Jones, and Justin Fields, would have each been better, even if the jury's out on Lance.
They could have drafted Ja'Marr Chase or Jaylen Waddle in that position and taken Kenny Pickett or Desmond Ridder in 2022 as well. Davis Mills later in the 2021 Draft might have worked better, too.