Zach Wilson being selected by the New York Jets with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft had been a foregone conclusion since at least the BYU quarterback’s pro day in Provo on March 26.
Wilson becoming the latest Gang Green quarterback savior became official on Thursday evening, and despite the pick being assumed for some time, reaction to the selection came rolling in.
“We are all @nyjets fans. Congratulations @zachkapono1. You’re going to be awesome.” — @NatalieCGordon
“I have mixed emotions...I’m stoked for Zach and I’m sick for Zach. He’s got a tough road ahead of him but if anyone has the mental toughness to do it, Zach does. Let’s go! #NFLDraft2021 #BYUFootball” — @LaurenFMcClain
“Reppin’ the Y! Thank you Zach. You make us all proud.” — @TomHolmoe
Of course, those connected to BYU were on board with Wilson’s selection to the Jets, but so were Jets players.
“We have a WINNER!!!!” — @QuinnenWilliams
“LETS GO TO WORK KID!!!!!! @zachkapono1″ — @BigTicket73
“Now surround the young man! #Jets” — @damienwoody
“Let’s gooooooooooo” — @HNYNUT_BERRIOS
“The Jets have been looking for a quarterback since man landed on the moon.” — @robinlundberg, New York radio personality
“Zach Wilson will fit right in with the Jets. Another colossal draft bust.” — @ThePoniExpress, Pittsburgh radio personality
“Zach Wilson joins the club. Post-Namath QB draft picks by #Jets.” — @RichCimini, ESPN Jets beat reporter
“Jets take BYU QB Zach Wilson. And now, the 2021 NFL Draft is underway!” — @AdamSchefter
“Zach Wilson goes from facing Northwest Tech State last season to Belichick, McDermott and Flores defense.” — @geoffschwartz, SiriusXM Pac-12 analyst
Wilson is the highest-ever BYU player taken in the NFL draft, the Draper native now charged with solving a decades-long Jets quarterback quandary, dating back to Super Bowl III-winning quarterback Joe Namath being waived by the franchise following the 1976 season.
As a junior in 2020, Wilson threw for 3,692 yards, 33 touchdowns and three interceptions for the Cougars, who finished 11-1 and ranked as the consensus No. 11 in the country.
“Man, I wish the Jets had gone 0-16, it was so close.” — @rodger, The Ringer, referencing the fact Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence went No. 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars
“Robert Saleh and Zach Wilson are enough to get Jets fans excited again. Have the potential to build a strong roster with a blue chip centerpiece.” — fbgchase, owner of Football Perspective
“Z-A-C-H, Zach! Zach! Zach!” — @SportsCenter
“Jets are going to pick Zach Wilson, but Justin Fields is the second-best quarterback in the draft.” — @TheTylerDragon, Bengals beat reporter, Cincinnati Enquirer
“I love me some Zach Wilson. The @nyjets got a quarterback who has the most explosive arm in the draft and a guy with a lot of Rodgers and Mahomes-ish qualities. I am excited about him and the fit. Wilson and LaFleur can be a lot like Rodgers and LaFleur.” — @CSimmsQB
