Falcons 2021 potential draft pick profile: QB Zach Wilson
The Falcons could very well draft a quarterback with the No. 4 overall pick, but they don’t need to reach for one with Matt Ryan in place. Using that top-five selection on BYU quarterback Zach Wilson is not the right move for this team, though.
The idea that a quarterback is needed is questionable on its own, but spending that pick on a lottery ticket like Wilson doesn’t make a lot of sense. Nonetheless, here’s my scouting report on fast-rising prospect.
QB Zach Wilson – Brigham Young University
6-foot-3, 210 pounds
Stats and Awards
2020: 12 Games Played, 247-of-336 (73.5 percent), 3,692 Yards, 33 Touchdowns, 3 Interceptions, 70 Carries, 254 Yards, 10 Touchdowns, 2 Catches, 32 Yards, 2020 Boca Raton Bowl Offensive MVP
2019: 9 Games Played, 199-of-319 (62.4 percent), 2,382 Yards, 11 Touchdowns, 9 Interceptions, 67 Carries, 167 Yards, 3 Touchdowns, 1 Catch, 19 Yards, 2 Tackles, 2019 Hawaii Bowl MVP
2018: 9 Games Played, 120-of-182 (65.9 percent), 1,578 Yards, 12 Touchdowns, 3 Interceptions, 75 Carries, 221 Yards, 2 Touchdowns, 2018 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl MVP
Highlights: Vs. Boise State – 2020
Strengths
The best part of Zach Wilson’s game is his ability to avoid sacks in the pocket and buy time for his throws. This should be useful for him if he has to play behind a mediocre offensive line early in his career. Wilson has a pretty release that allows him to get the ball out quick. Considering his overall arm talent and pocket poise in the face of pressure, it’s easy to see why he’s such an intriguing prospect.
Wilson’s mobility is one of his biggest strengths, drawing comparisons to guys like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, but with more height. He is able to find holes when he needs to take off but also knows how to buy time for a receiver to get open. His accuracy is solid, especially when he’s on the move.
Weaknesses
While he does have solid accuracy at times, Wilson isn’t as good when he stays in the pocket. His footwork is too wide and that leads to the ball being underthrown far too often. This is something he absolutely must correct at the NFL level. Teams will also be frustrated with how often his deep balls are short, forcing his receivers to come back to the ball.
Wilson will be able to read NFL defenses, but his decision-making is sometimes questionable. He’ll pass up an easy throw to try for a riskier play, or try to fit a ball in where he shouldn’t. Also, as a small-school one-year wonder, it’s tough to see him be as effective early in his career. These deficiencies as well as injuries are why kept him from starting every game his first two seasons.
Leadership
One of the strengths for Wilson is his off-the-field personality and locker room presence. He was a team captain his last year in Provo. The Falcons will need someone to step up and take on a leadership role when Matt Ryan is gone. However, there are some questions about his true competitiveness.
Overview
NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Tony Romo
While Wilson has talent and NFL potential, he’s not someone worthy of the No. 4 overall pick. He would be a better value late in the first round or early in the second round. I’ll admit that I’m still lower on Wilson than most because some of the throws he makes won’t work at the NFL level. However, there are some real positives to his game and he definitely has starting quarterback potential.
How Wilson would fit into the Falcons’ plans
If the Falcons want Zach Wilson, they’ll have to hope he falls to them at No. 4 overall. In all honesty, if he’s there, they should look more into trading down with a team that does want him. Despite the hype, Wilson is a huge gamble for Atlanta in the top five. And for every Josh Allen, there are 10 Christian Ponders, 10 Josh Rosens and 10 Blaine Gabberts.
