New York Jets Draft QB Zach Wilson & OL Alijah Vera-Tucker In First Round

The New York Jets drafted quarterback Zach Wilson with the second overall pick Thursday night. The Jets were not able to secure the first pick after pulling off an upset victory in their Week 16 matchup with the Cleveland Browns, allowing the Jacksonville Jaguars to secure the first pick as a result.

While New York was not able to draft Trevor Lawrence, they were able to get Wilson instead. Wilson is excited to play for New York and to become the team’s newest franchise quarterback.

“I can’t wait to represent the city,” Wilson said. The former BYU quarterback is absolutely ready to give it all for the team. “I’m going to give it everything I have, ” the 21-year-old quarterback told the NFL Network after being drafted. “There’s not another team I’d want to play for besides the Jets. I’m going to give it everything I have and we’re gonna be a special team, baby. We’re going for the Super Bowl.”

It will be a breath of fresh air for Jets fans, who have not had a great quarterback or seen the playoffs since 2010. It is especially exhilarating for fans to have a young quarterback who is excited to play for them. General manager Joe Douglas talked about his reasoning for selecting the quarterback. “Decision-making, anticipation, accuracy, playmaking ability, the ability to make plays off-schedule,” Douglas said, stating the qualities the quarterback had that convinced him to pull the trigger on Wilson. Furthermore, the general manager loved the confidence that radiated from Wilson. “Love the confidence, love the energy, love the passion,” Douglas added.

New York further cemented their commitment to the quarterback by moving up in the draft again. The Jets sent their 23rd, 66th and 86th pick to the Minnesota Vikings for the 14th pick and the 143rd pick. Using the 14th pick, New York drafted USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker. Vera-Tucker’s arrival will add protection for the quarterback in the upcoming season. He was touted as the best guard in the draft, and that was one of the reasons the Jets wanted him. “To go up and get a guy like Alijah Vera-Tucker, a player that has started at tackle, has started at guard and has been highly productive at both,” Douglas said. “That versatility and that production is something we really value.”

Vera-Tucker is excited to play for the Jets and protect Wilson. “He’s [Zach Wilson] a guy who’s going to be a game-changer right away,” he said. “Who doesn’t want to block for someone like that? That’s going to be really exciting.”

“I love it,” Tucker explained. “Not every year is going to be the greatest year. I’m going to come in, I know what the Jets fan base is like, I know they’re pretty intense. I love that type of atmosphere. I’m going to come in and embrace it.”