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Jets Get next "Franchise QB" in Zach Wilson, Giants Puzzle Many with WR Pick

 The Jets have their man ... again ... at least they think. 

Like the rite of spring the Jets once again have convinced themselves that a 21-year old college kid will be their franchise savior at quarterback, this time in the form of BYU quarterback Zach Wilson. 

There was really no suspense with this. It was obvious for weeks that the Jets were going Wilson rather than more experienced, higher rated quarterbacks like Justin Fields and Mac Jones, when Joe Douglas and company were seen in full force at Wilson's Pro Day. 

Wilson is small in stature, about 6-2, 210 lbs, but he has a big arm. He completed 73 percent of his passes and threw 33 touchdowns to just three picks last year. He can make all the throws, and people love his fit in an offense that focuses on play action and RPOs. However, the knock on him, the lack of a competitive schedule; injuries in 2019, and his propensity to gamble with his arm are all concerns. We'll see how it plays out. 

Many have compared Wilson's arm talent to that of Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers, but he looks more like a Baker Mayfield-type. At the very least the Jets got Wilson some much needed protection with the selection of USC guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. The Jets traded with the Vikings in order to jump up from 23 to 14 to get Vera-Tucker. Perhaps the Jets were worried a team like the Giants, who traded down with the Bears to the 20th selection, would have taken him. Vera-Tucker is a solid choice, an excellent run blocker and pass protector, who slots right next to Mekhi Becton on the left side of the Jets rebuilding offensive line. 

Overall Grade on night one: B+  

Verdict: We have to see what Wilson becomes. He is a bit of a project at the quarterback position. If he works out, Joe Douglas is a genius. If he doesn't, well ... you know. 

Giants Trade with Bears: 

The Giants made some noise trading with the Chicago Bears to move down from 11 to 20. 

The Bears used the selection to nab former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields. Fields was once considered the second best quarterback in the draft behind Trevor Lawrence, but slipped as hype excelled for Zach Wilson and Trey Lance. Fields is a tough guy, has a big arm, and makes plays with both his arm and legs. His 6-touchdown performance against Clemson in the Sugar Bowl was one of the best efforts of an excellent college career. His size and versatility makes him a very intriguing pick for a Bears franchise that has been looking for that franchise quarterback for decades.  

Bears Grade on night one: A

Verdict:  The Bears might have gotten the best quarterback of the draft.

As for the Giants, they used the 20th selection to take wide receiver Kardarius Toney. This was a bit of a downer, considering the Giants could have addressed bigger needs like offensive line and edge rusher and chose not to. 

Things just didn't go the Giants way on Thursday. They lost out on Jaylen Waddle to the Dolphins with the 6th overall pick, and watched the Eagles make a deal with the Cowboys just to jump Big Blue in order to take DeVonta Smith, the dynamic playmaker from Alabama. Then the Jets traded up to get AVT. David Gettleman took a lot of L's; at least he got a lot of picks in return from Chicago. 

Giants overall grade night one: C. 

Verdict: The Giants really could have done better. Seriously. 

Patriots get a quarterback. 

Yes, Bill Belichick selected a quarterback in the first round in former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones. Jones had a great year in 2020, completing 70 percent of his passes, and winning a national title. He is used to the Patriot Way, having played under Nick Saban, a long time Belichick disciple. Jones is the first quarterback taken in the first round by the Patriots since Drew Bledsoe in 1993. Will Jones be the true heir to the Tom Brady thrown in Foxboro? That remains to be seen, but never count out Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. 

Overall grade for the Patriots: B. 

Verdict: It's hard to replace greatness, Patriots are hoping they struck lightning rather quickly. We'll see.

Aaron Rodgers unhappy. Perhaps the biggest news of the night was the story that leaked out Thursday that the Packers MVP wants out of Green Bay. The Packers fielded a trade request from San Francisco for Rodgers, and quickly rejected it. Rodgers is unhappiness with the Packers dates back to last spring when the Packers drafted quarterback Jordan Love instead of getting some offensive weapons to help the team. Rumors are the Broncos, 49ers and Raiders are on Rodgers' wish list, so stay tuned. 


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