NY Jets: Grade and analysis for all 10 picks in the 2021 NFL Draft

The NY Jets have received near-universal praise in the immediate aftermath of what could be a franchise-altering 2021 NFL Draft.

The team made a total of 10 picks during the three-day event landing at least a pair of day-one starters as well as a host of others who should contribute early in their careers.

Of course, it’s impossible to determine just how successful a draft class will be mere days after the picks were made. Previous Jets draft classes that turned out to be massive failures also received high initial grades.

But something just feels different this time around. Perhaps it’s the usual post-draft optimism. Perhaps it’s the feeling that a new era is underway in Florham Park. Whatever it is, it feels like things have changed.

General manager Joe Douglas, at first glance, seems to have nailed his second draft class with the organization. But how does each individual pick grade out?

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

How do you grade a quarterback draft pick before he’s ever taken a snap? In reality, it’s impossible. But we can objectively grade whether the Jets made the right decision at this very moment.

Moving on from Sam Darnold was always the right call for a variety of factors. And seeing as though Zach Wilson was QB2 on my big board, just ahead of Justin Fields, it’s hard for me to argue with this selection.

Wilson has all the traits to become a franchise quarterback at the next level. His arm talent, accuracy, improvisation skills, mobility, and attitude are what made the Jets fall in love with him.

If surrounded by a proper supporting cast, there’s every reason to believe that Wilson will develop into a top-10 QB in the league before long. In a normal year, he’s likely QB1 for a lot of people.

These are the types of quarterbacks you bet your future on. Wilson is a special talent and well worth the No. 2 overall pick.

Grade: A