Detroit Lions Draft Prospect: Quarterback Zach Wilson

Final Thoughts

Zach Wilson is the second quarterback that I looked at through film study. I appreciate everyone bearing with me as I learn this aspect of writing and try to continue to improve. It’s not always easy critiquing guys who are great athletes.

With that said, I can confidently say that I like what I see out of Wilson more than I do from Trey Lance. Both guys obviously have a lot to learn, but in my opinion, Wilson is further along and more prepared for the NFL.

Wilson has many natural intangibles but has also shown that he learns from his mistakes and will benefit from good coaching around him. One thing that was common when studying both guys is the question of the quality of defenses they were facing at BYU and NDSU. That is something out of their control, and both did the best they could given their opportunity.

The biggest take away I have from Wilson is the kid has a strong arm and is usually pretty accurate. He moves around well in the pocket and can make throws that many of the current pros cannot.

He doesn’t “click his heels” and is often planted and ready to deliver the ball.

His anticipation that he has with his wide receivers’ routes is also really nice. It’s something that I feel will only get better with more time too.

When he does run, he’s fast, and a mobile quarterback is something that new head coach Dan Campbell has stated that he prefers when looking at prospects.

"“I kind of view the intangibles of a quarterback more than I do arm strength, like arm talent. You can’t be a weak-armed guy. But, I’d rather have a guy that is an accurate passer. He makes smart decisions. Certainly, would like a little more of a mobile quarterback, because in today’s game, it’s hard when you’re a guy who can’t move around in the pocket. That’s kind of my vision for a quarterback.” – Via The Detroit Free Press"

The Lions traded away Matthew Stafford last week for Jared Goff and a handful of draft picks, so it will be interesting to see if Detroit goes the route of someone like Wilson in the draft.

The weaknesses that I pointed out are all things that can be cleaned up with time, and the Detroit Lions have the guys in place to help him do so.

I have more prospects to look into, but as of now, I really, really like what I see out of Wilson. He’s been rumored to be going as high up as No. 2 in the NFL Draft, so whether or not Detroit even has a chance to consider him is something we’ll have to wait to find out!