Former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson. USA TODAY NETWORK

Jets 'feel confident' in Zach Wilson's surgically repaired shoulder

By Zac Wassink | Last updated Apr 8, 2021 5:56 PM ET

The New York Jets traded Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers on Monday largely so they can appoint BYU Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson their new starter, per handfuls of reports and mock drafts.

Wilson underwent shoulder surgery in 2019 that could potentially scare off some would-be buyers, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted that the Jets have no concerns:

#BYU QB Zach Wilson, who many believe is #Jets pick at No. 2, had shoulder surgery in 2019. But the #Jets didn’t need to wait for his Indy physical to feel confident in his shoulder. Based on info they’ve received from trusted medical sources, zero issues about Wilson’s shoulder.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 8, 2021

According to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, Wilson first injured the shoulder in high school ahead of having the procedure done in college. The issue didn't limit his production, as he threw for 6,074 yards with 44 touchdowns and 12 interceptions across his final 21 collegiate contests.

Four different CBS Sports analysts, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., and Walter Football are among the many who are predicting the Jets will select Wilson with the second pick of the upcoming NFL Draft on April 29. "Wilson has a superstar ceiling," Kiper wrote in his mock draft updated last month.

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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