NY Jets Quarterback Power Rankings: Where does Zach Wilson fall?

In many ways, the 2021 NY Jets season is centered around one key question: is rookie Zach Wilson the future at the quarterback position? It's clear that the franchise's latest rebuild cannot truly thrive until the most important position on the field has been settled.

For the most part, this question has been difficult to assess. On one hand, Wilson has looked very much like a rookie in his inaugural season.

While recent signal-callers such as Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow have immediately burst onto the NFL scene, Wilson's season has oftentimes been defined by poor offense and rookie mistakes.

On the other hand, Wilson has displayed exciting arm talent. He is also working with one of the most talent-devoid offensive rosters in the sport. So how do we answer this question?

As we seek to determine Wilson's level of success, let's compare him to the other signal-callers across the league.

Note to Readers: This ranking takes many factors into consideration. A player's statistics, pedigree, history, potential, age, overall skill, and more are all taken into account.

If you needed to win a game tomorrow, here is the order in which I would select my signal-callers.

1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers is the best arm talent I have ever seen. Paired with his veteran savvy, Super Bowl-winning pedigree, and MVP level numbers, and the Green Bay superstar ranks No. 1.

2. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

If Rodgers has the best arm I've seen, Patrick Mahomes joins a legend like Dan Marino in my top three. He's an amazing passer who has a legitimate chance to be a legendary QB. Give me Mahomes at No. 2.

3. Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It's simply amazing that Tom Brady is still producing at this level. What age may have trimmed off his arm strength, experience and control of the game have made up for.

4. Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert is quickly compiling a resume for the distinction of greatest start to a young QB's career. He has a massive arm and a poise well beyond his years. He is everything NY Jets fans hope Zach Wilson could become.

5. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen may have the strongest arm in football. He ended early-career turnover concerns and now ranks as a perennial MVP candidate. Add in exceptional rushing skills and Allen is surely in the top five QBs.

6. Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray has made a compelling case to enter the top five. His combination of arm talent, speed, and ability to make magic happen is unparalleled. If he improves his late-season resume, he will move up.

7. Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford hasn't quite lived up to the sky-high expectations the Rams had when they traded for him last year. However, he is a proven talent with his first real chance to contend in the postseason. Don't be surprised if this season ends with Stafford leading Los Angeles to a Super Bowl trophy.

8. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

His playoff pedigree leaves something to be desired, but Lamar Jackson is a true star who has quickly become the best running QB in league history. Better than Cam Newton. Better than Michael Vick. Plus, he has a perennially underrated arm.

9. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Speaking of players the Jets hope Zach Wilson could become, Joe Burrow shook off a rookie season knee injury to prove that he belongs in the upper-tier at his position.

10. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Dak Prescott, rounds out this tier of QBs. Prescott's 2021 has been a tale of two seasons, but his all-around game earns him a clear spot in the top-10.

11. Derek Carr, QB, Las Vegas Raiders

Derek Carr is a generally underrated player who has survived a nightmare Las Vegas Raiders' off-field season to remain one of the NFL's passing leaders.

12. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa fell under scrutiny after his team's poor start. However, the league's longest winning streak has him back as Miami's starter of the future. Picture a high-upside Chad Pennington with a chance to approach Drew Brees levels. His climb also gives Jets fans reason to hope about their QB.

13. Mac Jones, QB, New England Patriots

The Patriots rookie has steadied the ship in New England. Mac Jones is a player with a lower ceiling (for now) but a noticeably high floor. At worst, he'll be a starter for years to come. At best, he could take a massive leap.

14. Kirk Cousins, QB, Minnesota Vikings

Kirk Cousins has become a difficult case study. At his best, he's a fringe MVP candidate. Yet often, it seems as though his team is "stuck" with him at QB. His impressive passing numbers secure him spot No. 14.

15. Carson Wentz, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Carson Wentz is a more extreme version of Kirk Cousins. At his best, he was a legitimate MVP frontrunner. At his worst, Philadelphia was moving on from him without a set plan B. The Colts QB has thrived with the league's best offensive line and running back.

16. Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Hurts is a strong dual-threat quarterback who deserves a starting spot in Philadelphia for years to come.

17. Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks

Still a capable passing and rushing threat, Russell Wilson would have ranked much higher before this season.

18. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence, once a "can't miss" prospect, has had a disastrous rookie season. However, abysmal coaching and poor weapons earn him the benefit of the doubt.

19. Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan feels far removed from his MVP days. However, a change in scenery would likely lead to a Matthew Stafford-like resurgence.

20. Zach Wilson, QB, NY Jets

How's this for a surprise? While Zach Wilson has experienced better coaching than the aforementioned Trevor Lawrence, he has navigated a similar lack of talent.

Yet, somehow, he has led his team to twice as many wins (4) as Jacksonville (2). Wilson has fallen from the "Aaron Rodgers-like" comparisons during the draft process, but he has earned a longer leash than many frustrated Jets fans are affording him.

In past eras of the NFL, rookie QBs were allowed several years to grow and develop. However, the emergence of quick starters like Kyler Murray, Joe Burrow, and Justin Herbert have drastically changed expectations.

Add in a lower rookie wage scale and teams are more comfortable than ever to move on from young signal-caller. New York seems to have hit on two recent skill position players in Elijah Moore and Michael Carter.

Throw in two top picks and a fair amount of cap space and the Jets are well on their way to building a competent offense that will allow them to truly judge the former BYU star.

Perhaps Wilson simply needs more time to adjust to the NFL game. Have hope Jets fans! Tua Tagovailoa is providing a clear path and goal for Wilson next season.

21. Justin Fields, QB, Chicago Bears

Justin Fields has flashed more strong moments in the NFL than Zach Wilson or Trevor Lawrence. However, injury concerns have already become an issue. Plus, Wilson and Lawrence would kill for a talent like Allen Robinson, David Montgomery, or Chicago's defense.

22. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Tennessee Titans

Ryan Tannehill, like Russell Wilson, would have ranked higher before this season. However, his play dropped off after Derrick Henry's injury.

23. Trey Lance, QB, San Francisco 49ers

Trey Lance's draft pedigree gives him the upside to justify spot No. 22. However, his relative lack of success with a much more talented San Francisco roster slots him in below fellow rookie Zach Wilson.

24. Taylor Heinicke, QB, Washington Football Team

Taylor Heinicke has earned the NFL's respect over the past season and a half. While he isn't a game-changer, he is a solid option.

25. Baker Mayfield, QB, Cleveland Browns

This feels far too low for Baker Mayfield. However, poor numbers and an injury-riddled 2021 make him nearly impossible to assess.

26. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Denver Broncos

The prototypical bridge when you don't have your QB of the future, Teddy Bridgewater is a solid option with a low floor and low ceiling. I will note that his career could be totally different if not for injuries.

27. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger has looked laughable moving around the field this season, but he has still been the Pittsburgh Steelers' best chance to win.

28. Taysom Hill, QB, New Orleans Saints

Weirdest case study in the NFL. At times, Taysom Hill looks like a really solid QB (particularly from a fantasy football standpoint). Other times, he looks like a backup tight end and special-teamer.

29. Davis Mills, QB, Houston Texans

Davis Mills has improved steadily throughout the 2021 season. He deserves a place in the NFL ranks.

30. Daniel Jones, QB, NY Giants

I'd much rather have Zach Wilson.

31. Jared Goff, QB, Los Angeles Rams

No one likes to check down more than Jared Goff. But remember when he was in the Super Bowl?

32. Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton deserves better due to his career accomplishments. But currently, he's the least effective passer of this group.