John Beck believes that Zach Wilson is the “perfect fit” for a New York Jets offense led by offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur.
Perhaps no one knows Zach Wilson better than his coach, mentor, and fellow BYU passing legend John Beck. Thus, Beck would probably know which of Wilson’s 32 suitors would be the best fit for him as he prepares to hear his name called in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft next Thursday (8 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC/NFL Network).
In a report from Peter King of NBC Sports, Beck declared that the New York Jets are the best NFL fit for his protege. He reasoned that the Jets’ new personnel and their propensity to take elements from other strong offenses will work to Wilson’s benefit.
“I think it’s a perfect fit,” Wilson told King. “If I could have hand-picked from the offenses I know well, which one would have fit Zach best, it would absolutely be that one. He brings such a skill set to get out on the edges, to be used in the keeper game, the play-pass game, he can drive balls in very small space off unique platforms as he’s moving. From my understanding, the interviews are going really well with teams. The Jets are getting to know Zach as best as they possibly can, outside of being able to do a private workout.”
Beck also quelled concerns some have raised with Wilson: the fact that he will be taking his first football steps outside of Utah. Wilson was born in Draper, where he attended Corner Canyon High School and spent four years in Provo with the Cougars.
The former Miami Dolphins draft pick said that he has discussed the transition, the “culture shock” with Wilson and that he’s confident that the reigning Boca Raton Bowl MVP can handle himself in the metropolitan area.
“There will be a culture shock, being so far from home,” Beck said. “He’s a family kid, grew up in Draper, Utah, went to BYU, very tight with his siblings and his parents, first time he’s away, but it’s a great life experience. He’ll be good with it.”
Beck is the last BYU quarterback drafted into the NFL, chosen 40th overall by the Dolphins in 2007. He’d go on to spend six seasons in the league, working mostly as a backup with Miami, Baltimore, Washington, and Houston.
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Beck is one of three Cougar quarterbacks to throw for at least 10,000 yards in his Provo career (joining Ty Detmer and Max Hall) and concluded his tenure with a stellar 2006 season, which ended with a win over Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl and a top 15 ranking in the final AP poll, the program’s first in a decade.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
