49ers NFL Draft: Power ranking quarterback options with No. 3 pick
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Zach Wilson Quarterback
This player’s spot on my list might surprise some people, but I think it’s just right.
BYU quarterback Zach Wilson shocked the football world this year when he propelled himself up draft boards with an out-of-this-world 2020 campaign, but I refuse to put him ahead of the guy I have at No. 1, and here’s why.
Wilson showed critics that even with a less-than-stellar supporting cast, success is still possible, but can he do it on a consistent basis?
That’s the million-dollar question most critics are asking.
2020 wasn’t Wilson’s first year as a college starter, but his third. He was blatantly mediocre in both 2018 and 2019 for BYU, throwing a combined 3,960 yards, 23 touchdowns and 12 picks in 18 games. While I do think he’s absolutely a better option than both Trey Lance and Mac Jones, I refuse to admit Wilson is a can’t-miss prospect, and at the third overall pick, you better be as legit as it gets, not a potential question mark.
Now it may seem like I’m a little bit of a hater, so let me try and highlight some of the positives. Wilson was absolutely spectacular this year. He was so good that he went from being a literal nobody to the probable second overall pick. The last guy who pulled off that type of dramatic draft climb was former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow in 2019. Ever heard of him?
Wilson led BYU to a stellar 11-1 season in which he threw for 3,692 yards to go along with 33 touchdowns and three interceptions. Oh, by the way, he also managed to rush for an outstanding 10 touchdowns. Wilson reminds me a lot of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. While he may not be as athletic, I think Wilson possesses the same dynamic style of play coaches are foaming at the mouth at in today’s NFL.
If the Niners got their hands on Wilson, they would absolutely have to sit him for the 2021 season and let him become accustomed to playing against higher-tier opponents, but I do think he would tremendously succeed.
If Wilson is what everyone is saying he is, the 49ers would be an unstoppable force for years to come.