When it comes to talking about quarterbacks and how good they are, few are better at it than The Ringer’s Steven Ruiz. This week, Ruiz unveiled his first set of quarterback rankings. And it’s an early low start for Jets QB Zach Wilson.
Wilson’s numbers land him at No. 30 on Ruiz’s rankings, though Ruiz does note Wilson is a dynamic talent.
Here’s Ruiz’s breakdown of Wilson:
I know this is going to be triggering for Jets fans, but I can’t think of a more apt way to articulate my evaluation of Zach Wilson’s tape … he’s Sam Darnold 2.0.
Quick: Think of all the reasons to be optimistic about Wilson’s rookie season. Now think of the glaring areas where he needs improvement. They’re both awfully similar to what was being said of Darnold after his uneven debut season in New York. There were enough highlight reel throws to whet a QB-hungry fan’s appetite, but it’s hard to ignore that most of those plays came outside the pocket. Darnold had the same issue. There were some impressive instances of pocket presence, but even more examples of Wilson running into pressure. Same goes for Darnold. And then there’s the inconsistent accuracy. One play, Wilson is throwing a dot 30 yards downfield on the run; the next play, he’s sailing a throw to the flat.
I just don’t know what his most obvious strength is. He’s not accurate, he’s not a brain, he’s got a good arm, but it’s more flexible than powerful.He can make defenders miss, but he’s not a great athlete who’s going to outrun guys consistently. In a tight pocket, he almost looks like an oblivious beach patron about to get blindsided by a wave. There is clear arm talent there, but not much else to get excited about.
Ruiz believes Wilson’s best trait is his arm talent, as he can make some impressive throws, including when he is off-platform.
His biggest weakness, in the mind of Ruiz, is his decision-making, thanks to “far too many misreads and naive throws into coverage.” Ruiz does note there were “positive signs late last season.”
This note will probably upset some Jets fans: Ruiz ranked 32 quarterbacks for this list. The only two quarterbacks below Wilson? Jacoby Brissett and Mitchell Trubisky. Take that for what it’s worth.
