NY Jets add a new franchise QB in 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft

Round 1, 2nd Overall, NY Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

If you were to place a wager on who the Jets’ Week 1 starting quarterback in 2021 was going to be right now, your best bet would be to put money on Zach Wilson.

Wilson is a top-tier quarterback prospect who’d have as good of a chance as any at being QB1 in a normal year. And the competition between him, Ohio State’s Justin Fields, and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance for QB2 has been a fascinating one.

Possessing the accuracy, arm talent, mobility, and moxie to be a franchise quarterback at the next level, Wilson would be a fantastic replacement for Darnold. Drafting Wilson resets the clock at the QB position and gives the Jets a high-upside signal-caller to build around.

Concerns about his prior injury history and lack of top-tier competition in college are valid, but no prospect is perfect. And provided he stays healthy, Wilson has all the tools needed to overcome his weaknesses in the pros.

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Round 1, 23rd Overall, NY Jets: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC

The Jets draft their new quarterback and immediately provide him with some help on the offensive line in the form of USC lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker.

Vera-Tucker played left tackle at USC but projects a lot better as a guard at the NFL level. And his incredible athleticism and pass-block traits make him a perfect fit in Mike LaFleur’s zone-blocking system.

After the likes of Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater, Vera-Tucker will probably be the next offensive lineman taken off the board. In fact, we’re pretty fortunate that he fell all the way to pick No. 23 here.

Vera-Tucker would immediately slot in as a day-one starter at left guard giving the Jets a promising young duo of Vera-Tucker and Mekhi Becton on the left side of the offensive line.

Next: 2. A promising CB and a third-round steal