The New York Jets thought they found their quarterback of the future in the 2021 NFL Draft when they selected Zach Wilson with the No.2 overall pick, but things didn’t end up working out.
Wilson spent three seasons with the Jets, and though he showed promise at times, he struggled with taking care of the ball and accuracy. New York replaced him during the 2023 offseason with Aaron Rodgers, but the veteran signal-caller tore his Achilles tendon in just the first few plays of the season, which caused Wilson to be thrown back in the fire.
After the 2023 season, which didn’t go well for Wilson or the Jets, he was traded to the Denver Broncos. Wilson spent the 2024 campaign as Bo Nix’s backup in Denver and signed with the Miami Dolphins this offseason, where he will serve as Tua Tagovailoa’s backup.
New York’s selection of Wilson with the second pick in 2021 is looking like one of the worst draft picks in recent memory. However, in a re-draft done by Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder has the Jets selecting offensive tackle Penei Sewell instead of Wilson.
So, instead of chasing another signal-caller, the Jets add a two-time first-team All-Pro offensive tackle in this exercise. Sewell would shore up what’s been a shaky offensive line over the last few years and give the front office the flexibility to find another solution behind center.
Since entering the league with the Detroit Lions, Sewell has arguably been the best offensive lineman in football. He has been selected to three Pro Bowls and earned two first-team All-Pro selections in his first four seasons.
Obviously, the Jets would love to have Sewell, as the Oregon product is an elite run and pass blocker and is on a Hall of Fame trajectory. The 24-year-old will be a key part of Detroit’s offense for years to come and earned a four-year, $112 million extension from the franchise last offseason.
Sewell could turn out to be the best player from the 2021 NFL Draft, so the superstar offensive tackle being re-drafted into the top two selections makes sense.
