Solid start to NFL education for Jets' 'unflappable' Wilson
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Zach Wilson was walking off the field after his final practice of New York Jets minicamp when fellow rookie Michael Carter shared an observation that resonated with him.
“It’s hard to know sometimes,” the running back said to Wilson, “if it was a good or a bad day.”
That's life in the NFL when you're just starting out, when the positives and negatives swirl in your mind — and you can only hope to use both to get better. And when all eyes are on you for every snap, step and throw as the newly anointed franchise quarterback, as Wilson is, those thoughts are only magnified.
But Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft just seven weeks ago, answered with the maturity and clarity of a seasoned vet when asked how he thought he performed this spring.
“It’s hard to say exactly how you did,” Wilson said. “Personally, in my eyes, I feel I can improve every single day. I feel like I’m learning something every single day. Even on the good days, it’s still frustrating and it’s just because it’s like a foreign language. Every single day it’s the same plays, but you’re getting different reps, different looks at it, different defensive coverages, whatever it is.”
And that's precisely to be expected from a young QB getting a crash course in being a pro.
Wilson made some terrific plays during offseason workouts, organized team activities and minicamp. The former BYU star was also shaky at times, providing some valuable teachable moments.
“It’s been a learning curve for him,” offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said. “We’ve thrown a lot at him.”
That's in large part because they know they can.
“Zach loves ball, that’s one thing that I’ve learned,” coach Robert Saleh said. "He’s unflappable in the sense that...