APC Community Mock Draft: #2 pick puts Jets on the clock

The #1 pick is in the books. The Jacksonville Jaguars have selected Trevor Lawrence! The Clemson QB has been the favorite to go #1 since he started his first game in college, so this comes as no surprise. A mobile, 6-foot-6 phenom, Lawrence will come in with higher expectations than just about any QB in recent memory as the Jaguars look to get back to the playoffs for just the 4th time since 2000. That leaves the Jets with their pick of the next QB’s in this class’ top tier. While they could still shock everyone and trade this pick away to go forward with Sam Darnold, it is likely they stay put. They have been married to Zach Wilson throughout the draft process but for the sake of discussion, let’s check out their options.

Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

If Trevor Lawrence was the career superstar, Wilson is the late-bloomer, at least in terms of his college career. He took a massive jump in 2020, improving his completion percentage by almost ten points over his previous career average and his yards per attempt by almost three yards. Wilson has an Aaron Rodgers-like build at about 6-foot-2 and 214 pounds, and he throws on the run well, an essential trait in today’s NFL.

Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

After a year as a gadget weapon at Georgia, Fields transferred to Ohio State, where he started for two seasons and led the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff twice, losing to Clemson as the 2-seed in 2019 but taking the Tigers to the woodshed this January before losing to Alabama in the title game. Fields’ performance in the 2021 Sugar Bowl was tremendous, as he showed off his toughness after a hard hit to the ribs early in the game and his arm strength with deep throws all over the field. His athleticism (reportedly ran his 40 in the low 4.4s) should have coaches salivating as well.

Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

For the second time in the last half-decade, the Bison will have a first-round pick at quarterback. Lance leaves for the Draft as a redshirt sophomore and with just one season as a starter under his belt. He’s big (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) and fast (no official 40 time, but estimated in the 4.5s) and he’s as much of a threat with his legs as with his arm. He might need time to acclimate to the NFL, but all the physical tools you could ask for are there.

With the 2nd pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select…

That does it for the #2 overall pick! Will one of these QBs rescue Jets fans from their years-long nightmare? Would you stick with Darnold and build the team around him? Let us know in the comments. Be sure to also visit our Instagram and Twitter (@acmepackingco) to vote.

Tomorrow at 11 AM, we will be running down the San Francisco 49ers’ options at pick #3 and at 4 PM, the Atlanta Falcons with pick #4.