What You Need to Know:

• A 3-star recruit, Wilson started games as a true freshman at BYU. He impressed right away with 1,578 yards, 8.9 YPA and 12 TDs to 3 INTs (7 games).
• In early 2019, Wilson underwent surgery for a torn right labrum that first surfaced in high school. That October, he suffered a fractured thumb.
• Predictably, Wilson’s numbers declined in ’19: 7.5 YPA, a 62.4% completion rate and 11 TDs to 9 INTs (9 games).
• Across 12 starts in a healthy 2020, Wilson averaged a silly 11.0 YPA and notched the 4th best adjusted completion rate in the nation (80.3%). He tossed only 3 INTs, and upon further review, only 1 was a poor decision.
• At 6’2, 214 pounds, Wilson’s on the slight side for the position. That didn’t limit him in 2020, though, when he showed top-end accuracy and arm talent.
• The Jets traded Sam Darnold to Carolina in April. Weeks later, they selected Wilson with the 2nd overall pick. He’ll start immediately.
• The Jets have a promising WR corps that includes Denzel Mims, Jamison Crowder, Corey Davis and rookie Round 2 pick Elijah Moore. Athletic TE Chris Herndon — only 25 — still offers some promise in a contract year.
• Wilson will learn under new HC Robert Saleh and OC Mike LaFleur.
• LaFleur has followed Kyle Shanahan from Cleveland to Atlanta to San Francisco since 2014. He’s held roles like offensive intern (Cleveland), offensive assistant (Falcons) and pass game coordinator/WR coach (49ers). LaFleur, brother of Packers HC Matt LaFleur, is only 34.
• Look for the Shanahan influence to shine through, meaning a heavy dose of pre-snap motion and play-action passing for Wilson. Those should help play to his strengths.
• Wilson showed decent mobility in college, but we don’t expect anything close to high-end production there in 2020. Current projections have him for 239-2 rushing.

Draft Sharks Bottom Line:

Wilson came out of nowhere to post a huge 2020. While poor competition helped, Wilson simply dominated with his ability to put the ball where it needs to be both inside and outside of the pocket.

So the future looks bright here. But as a rookie playing under a new coaching staff — in a division with 3 strong defenses — we’re keeping 2021 expectations low.