Zach Wilson Already Transforming Vegas' Perception of Jets
The New York Jets were the laughing stock of the NFL in 2020, with the team opening their season 0-13 and failing in every conceviable way under former head coach Adam Gase. But with a new well-respected coach in Robert Saleh and the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft in their possession, things are looking up for the Jets, who have the inside track to select BYU quarterback Zach Wilson in April.
With Wilson making insane throws at his recent Pro Day, he has cemented himself as a near-lock to be the second overall selection. The Jets' expected pick of the young quarterback has already generated optimism surroudning the team, as evidenced by their +6000 odds to win Super Bowl LVI on WynnBET.
Zach Wilson on the Jets, says he loves the staff and Joe Douglas. “They’ve got a good thing going.”
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) March 26, 2021
Said he has family in NY area and has been here a few times and also has had good interactions over zoom with the Jets.
Now at +6000, no one is expecting New York to be a real Super Bowl contender next season. But it's notable that they're tied with the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders in the odds. A lot of that could be based on the prospect of selecting Wilson.
The 21-year-old QB certainly impressed at BYU, throwing for 3,692 yards and 33 TDs (with just 3 INTs) while adding an additional 254 yards and 10 scores on the ground. It's Wilson's dual-threat ability that has scouts marveling over his potential at the next level. He's already drawing noteworthy pre-draft comparisons to MVP and Super Bowl champ Patrick Mahomes.
"That's the throw of the Pro Day season right now."
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 26, 2021
Zach Wilson showing off ?
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/Xz2cWdlJV1
If Wilson is the second coming of Mahomes, the Jets' hype could be well-warranted. The hiring of Saleh has already helped improve the team's reputation, and players clearly want to play for him.
On the defensive side, the Jets made notable free-agent signings in Carl Lawson and Sheldon Rankins this offseason, which will immediately help with some of their issues. On offense, New York added former Titans star WR Corey Davis and WR Keelan Cole to go along with Jamison Crowder and Denzel Mims.
Despite a new coach and an offseason of moving pieces, the Jets have better odds to win the Super Bowl than the Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles, all of whom are +7500 and in very similar situations with young QBs under center in 2021. Oddsmakers seem to think New York will fare better, which is a testament to the faith in Saleh and Wilson.