Friday marked the first day of the New York Jets’ 2021 rookie minicamp, which means No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson was on full display.
Friday marked the first of the New York Jets’ three-day rookie minicamp. Naturally, this means Zach Wilson‘s first taste of Gotham Green has come and gone.
After a week of watching Wilson highlights nonstop, Jets fans finally caught a first glimpse of the Jets’ new franchise quarterback on the field, throwing passes for the green and white.
“This [weekend] is low pressure, come out, introduce yourself to the scheme, introduce yourself to us, and just get a good feel,” head coach Robert Saleh told the media. “Just kind of going with the flow of the weekend, and getting a feel of what it’s like to be a professional.”
Our own Robby Sabo got a first-hand look at the young signal-caller (indeed, wearing No. 2) during his first day of practice with the Jets. The day, of course, began with stretches, with coach Saleh right in the middle of it all — a welcomed change following the Adam Gase era.
Robert Saleh and the Jets, warming up. Right in the thick of the crowd. pic.twitter.com/ZEn28qNcOS
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) May 7, 2021
Next came Wilson’s footwork drills with one-on-one coaching and occasional short passes. The development of the team’s new franchise quarterback is officially underway.
Zach Wilson, Day No. 1. pic.twitter.com/wxBFsUKcYM
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) May 7, 2021
One of the few hiccups on Wilson’s tape from 2020 was occasional inaccuracies in the short passing game. That didn’t show up today, as Wilson delivered strikes into the flat.
A little work in the flat. pic.twitter.com/AtmtwZKuzP
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) May 7, 2021
Quick slants may not be as exciting as the deep, cross-body throw that Wilson displayed at his pro day, but the public will have to take what it can get.
Considering Matt LaFleur’s offensive system, Wilson’s skill set should perfectly fit expectations.
Slant work, Y stick. pic.twitter.com/Ai4T8PFgmm
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) May 7, 2021
Two more days remain in this year’s rookie minicamp, meaning our first look at Zach Wilson isn’t quite over yet. Jets X-Factor will continue to keep you updated throughout the weekend.
While there’s still lots of offseason left, there’s undeniably a new energy surrounding the New York Jets. One can’t help but feel that this team is now equipped with the foundation that could lead to something special.
