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With No Trevor, Could Justin Fields or Zach Wilson Provide the Answers for the New York Jets?

Published 01/02/2021, 9:20 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

For almost the entirety of the 2020 regular season, the New York Jets looked like the team to land the #1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. A crucial pick offering the #1 overall prospect on offer, Trevor Lawrence.

But given the ever-shifting kaleidoscope of a season that 2020 has been, the Jets no longer hold draft pick #1. That liberty now falls upon the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

With the hopes of building a dynasty around Trevor Lawrence now dashed, who could the Jets look to draft as QB for the 2021 season? 

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The rise of Justin Fields (Again!)

The stock of Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields, who was once considered the all-consensus #2, recently took a hit for his lackluster performances.

Heading into the Sugar Bowl semis against the Clemson Tigers, the QB threw 4 touchdowns and 5 interceptions with a pass completion percentage of 58 in his last 3 games. Understandably, not many were impressed with what Fields had to offer. 

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All of that turned on its head once Fields took to the field against the Tigers. Throwing 6 touchdowns with a pass completion percentage of 78.6, Fields silenced his critics and how.

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Fields ended the night with a QB rating of 99, and his efforts were enough to lead his team to a 49-28 win over the Clemson Tigers in the Sugar Bowl. Trevor Lawrence’s Clemson Tigers. 

Fields’ performance against Clemson will surely boost up his stock yet again. And given the athleticism and strong arm on offer from the Ohio QB, the Jets could find it tempting to take a chance with the QB and mold their team around him for the future. 

BYU’s Zach Wilson to the New York Jets?

BYU Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson has made quite a name for himself over the past couple of months. But the QB really stepped into the limelight with his performance in the Boca Raton Bowl against the UCF Knights.

With a 76.5% pass completion rate, Wilson threw 3 TDs for 0 interceptions and posed a constant threat for the Knights’ defense. His evasiveness in the pocket and ability to get an odd-rushing touchdown means Wilson would be a great fit for a Jets O-line which has room to improve.

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With 3,692 yards, 33 passing touchdowns this season along with 263 rushing yards to his name, the once fringe-prospect has quickly climbed through the ranks to become one of the hottest prospects after he declared for the 2021 draft.

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The New York Jets already have a starting quarterback in Sam Darnold. But his performances this season have prompted many to look for change. For the Jets, change is an option. Whether they go for it or not, only time will tell. 

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Written by:

Shivayan Roy

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Shivayan Roy is currently an NFL writer at EssentiallySports. After completing his Masters Diploma in Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, Roy functioned as a reporter for Goal.com and extensively covered the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
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