NY Jets QB Zach Wilson drawing comparisons to JaMarcus Russell

NY Jets quarterback Zach Wilson has been drawing comparisons to some of the biggest draft busts in NFL history over the last few weeks, perhaps most notably JaMarcus Russell.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, Russell started just 25 games in his NFL career and was out of the league in three years. He's widely considered to be arguably the most egregious draft bust in NFL history.

And as many are pointing out, Wilson's career to this point mirrors Russell's in many ways. In fact, their numbers are almost identical. In fact, Russell even has a better touchdown/interception ratio than his fellow maligned quarterback.

Now, Wilson does have Russell beat when it comes to completion percentage and yards per attempt, but the fact that most of his numbers are comparable isn't exactly a glowing indication of the second-year QB's future.

NY Jets QB Zach Wilson belongs in the same conversation as JaMarcus Russell

Wilson's Jets career may have very well come to an unfortunate end this past Thursday night when the former No. 2 overall pick was benched shortly after halftime in favor of 27-year-old practice squad journeyman Chris Streveler.

Streveler may not be able to complete a pass of more than 30 yards, but even he was able to run the Jets' offense better than Wilson. The former CFL star ran what was essentially an option offense and still managed to move the offense with some degree of success.

Wilson just couldn't — a direct representation of his career with the Jets.

In 22 career starts, Wilson has thrown for 15 touchdowns and 18 interceptions while completing 55 percent of his passes. He's averaged just 6.4 yards per attempt with a woeful QBR of 70.4. He's pretty much indisputably been the worst quarterback in football in each of the last two seasons.

If Wilson's Jets career is indeed over, he might rank at the very top of a long list of Jets draft busts in their history. As far as the Russell comparisons are true, it's hard not to see the similarities.

There may still be time for Wilson to shed that label and change the narrative, but he may not receive that opportunity again with the Jets — at least if they have it their way.

Unless Zach Wilson shows something different when (if?) he gets the opportunity to step on an NFL field again, the JaMarcus Russell, Ryan Leaf, Akili Smith, etc. comparisons will be present. He's earned that unfortunate distinction.