NY Jets 2021 Training Camp State of the Roster: Quarterback

How will the NY Jets quarterbacks perform in 2021 and beyond?

Now comes the most important part — how will this group actually fare this year and beyond?

First, assuming Wilson ends up starting Week 1, the best we could hope to see from Morgan and White are a combined zero pass attempts.

If one of Morgan or White does end up playing this season, then Wilson was either benched due to poor play or he got injured, both of which would be worrisome outcomes for the Jets.

Moving on to Wilson, what are realistic expectations for the rookie?

Taking into account the additions of Alijah Vera-Tucker and Morgan Moses on the offensive line, as well as the Corey Davis and Keelan Cole signings at receiver, Wilson actually has a respectable offense to work with on paper — far better than anything former Jets QB Sam Darnold ever had at his disposal.

For that reason, I would predict the following 17-game stat range for Wilson: 3,900 - 4,200 yards, 22 - 24 touchdowns, 12 - 14 interceptions, and a completion percentage of around 62 percent.

This season is similar to but slightly worse than Baker Mayfield's rookie season, which I think is a good place for Wilson to shoot for as a rookie.

Comparatively, this would be a far better rookie season than that of Sam Darnold, a fair prediction considering the supporting casts and coaching that each quarterback has to work with.

Compared to the other quarterbacks in this past draft, I would predict that Wilson finishes with the second-best statistical season, behind only Trevor Lawrence, much like the draft order.

Beyond this season, I'd say Zach Wilson's maximum ceiling is Seattle's Russell Wilson. The quarterbacks possess similar play styles, and they are both relatively small for the position.

Perhaps comparing Wilson to a six-time Pro Bowler is a bit ambitious, but with the traits he has, he could get there, assuming the personnel and coaching around him are up to par.

Conclusion

There is a lot of potential at the quarterback position for the NY Jets.

Wilson has the traits to be an elite quarterback, but he has to work on his accuracy and prove that he can continue his production in the big leagues now that he's no longer playing against North Alabama and Louisiana Tech every week.

It would have been wise for Douglas to have signed a veteran during the offseason, even if for nothing more than a fallback option.

Maybe White or Morgan could surprise, but as of now, all that the Jets have at the position is Wilson.

All of the pressure is on his shoulders right out of the gate. Let's see if the kid out of BYU can handle it.