DRAFT PROFILE: Zach Wilson, Quarterback, BYU
DRAFT Opinion Philadelphia Eagles QUARTERBACK
19 February 2021 DRAFT Opinion Philadelphia Eagles QUARTERBACK
Measurables: 6'3" 210 LBs
Zach Wilson is a 21 year old quarterback from Brigham Young University. Hailing from Draper, Utah, Wilson played his formative years at Corner Canyon High School where he passed for 2,986 yards and 24 touchdowns, while also tallying 752 rushing yards and eight more rushing touchdowns. Throughout his college career at BYU, Wilson tallied over 7,600 yards while also maintaining a 56-15 TD/INT ratio, all while having a combined passer rating of 162.9. Wilson also added 15 rushing touchdowns at BYU as well. Zach doesn't have a laundry list of accolades, given that he came from a small school like BYU, but he was named the 2019 Hawaii Bowl and 2020 Boca Raton Bowl Offensive MVP's in those respective bowl games. The biggest flash that Wilson presents is his ability to play the game with great athleticism. Wilson has great escape ability and can evade pressure from both inside and outside the pocket. Wilson is listed at 6 foot 3, 210 pounds, but I expect his measurements to come in around the 6'1" and 200ish at his pro day. That's not ideal size, but it can work as Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray have shown. This athleticism creates a ripple in Wilson's game against opposing defenses, given his success as a zone read, RPO quarterback. In addition to his ability in the zone read game, Wilson has made tremendous strides in his passing ability throughout his college career. Coming out of college, Wilson represents one of the best timing and anticipation abilities that I have scouted. In addition to his tremendous arm talent and ability to put the ball exactly where it should be, it makes Wilson a close competitor to Trevor Lawrence. The one separation is Lawrence's arm string and the level of opponent that he premiered against. Wilson is a lock for the #2 quarterback in this draft class, but don't be surprised if you hear rumblings of the Jaguars liking him at the 1:01 spot as well.
Throwing Ability
Calm in the pocket
Escape ability
Pocket Discipline
Timing/Throw Anticipation
Zone Read/RPO intelligence
Level of Competition
NFL Comparisons
Justin Herbert. Wilson doesn't have near the accuracy that Herbert did coming out of college but the arm talent and mind are both there. Wilson is quick minded in his decision making, does a good job not to pre-determine his reads and does a tremendous job on timing and anticipation. Wilson will need to work on his touch throws to be able to thrust himself into stardom like Herbert, but the intangibles are there.
Top 5. Wilson has a rare blend of athleticism and arm talent, while remaining calm and discipline in a tight pocket. He also has the ability to escape and maintain disciplined with his mechanics when making rollout throws. Wilson will have to work on a few things for NFL scheme's to be successful but the raw talent and athletic ability thrusts him into the conversation of QB1.
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Brennan Sokowoski BYU Cougars, Draft Prospects, NFL Draft, quarterback, Zach Wilson