Zach Wilson Thanks Kalani Sitake
Kalani Sitake played a major role in Zach WIlson's recruitment that ended in a last-minute rally to land Wilson's services. After declaring for the NFL Draft last week, Wilson thanked the BYU head coach on social media:
"The first time I met you I was 8 years old. We were at the Utah football camp decked in red. Who could have ever predicted we'd be reppin the Y, dressed head to toe in blue? I don't believe in coincidences. You came into my life for a reason. There have been so many coaches that didn't believe in me, but you could see my potential from day one. Even when it got rough, you never gave up on me. You held my future in my hands and you helped me spread my wings.
Most people don't realize, a head coach is not only responsible for winning games, he has a huge influence in the type of men we become. Coaches help shape our character and can teach us to be better husbands, fathers, and brothers.
Some of the greatest lessons I learned from you, were off the field. You taught me to be kind, generous and humble. You taught me that football doesn't last forever, but the relationships we make along the way do.
I hope BYU and our fans, realize how fortunate they are to have you. They should hold onto you as long as possible.
I'm so sad our time at BYU together is coming to a close. But we've built a relationship that will last a lifetime." - Zach Wilson
Now, Wilson is a consensus first round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Here are some of the latest draft projections for Zach Wilson:
CBS Analyst Chris Trapasso:
Round: 1
Pick: 2
Team: New York Jets
CBS Analyst Josh Edwards:
Round: 1
Pick: 2
Team: New York Jets
CBS Analyst Ryan Wilson:
Round: 1
Pick: 4
Team: Atlanta Falcons
Round: 1
Pick: 2
Team: New York Jets
Commentary: "Yes, Justin Fields went out and torched Clemson in the College Football Playoff semifinals, quieting some of the questions many had about him coming into the game. But he still has issues holding onto the ball too long and struggled when facing pressure this season.
Wilson’s ability to make every throw and accurately throw off-platform makes him the future for Gang Green."
Round: 1
Pick: 12
Team: San Francisco 49ers
Commentary: "It’s been so tempting to give Zach Wilson to numerous teams before, but here we are. The 49ers are at a crossroads. They’re a year removed from being one of the best teams in the NFL, and 2020 really derailed everything.
That also means there’s an opportunity here, much like Atlanta, to draft higher than they probably deserve. It’s unclear if Jimmy Garoppolo can stay healthy enough to be a franchise player, but if anyone can unlock Wilson in the NFL it’s Kyle Shanahan. The foundation is in place to make him succeed, now it’s time to execute."
Round: 1
Pick: 7
Team: Detroit Lions
Commentary: "The Lions are a fun offense to watch with Matthew Stafford. Unfortunately, that era is coming to an end soon. There are zero reasons for the Lions to pass him up with Zach Wilson on the board here. Wilson is phenomenal out of structure. He just runs around and makes plays. Wilson has a solid arm and is a good athlete.
His buzz is through the roof at this stage, and if the Lions get into this position, they cannot let him slip through their hands. He has franchise QB potential and the new regime in Detroit will jump all over that."
Round: 1
Pick: 9
Team: Carolina Panthers
Commentary: "Wilson has had an exceptional season with his accuracy and downfield passing to quickly emerge as a threat to be the third QB off the board after Lawrence and Fields. Teddy Bridgewater has fared pretty well as the bridge QB in Carolina, but there's also an indication they have a limited ceiling with him and should think about replacing him by 2022 with a longer-term solution. Wilson would be a strong, cerebral fit for Joe Brady's offense."
Round: 1
Pick: 2
Team: New York Jets
Commentary: "I already went in depth on the Zach Wilson versus Justin Fields (versus Sam Darnold) debate, and I’m sure everyone will have a calm, reasonable take on it. The discourse will surely continue to rage all the way until draft day. Even if this pick is traded, I can’t see it being anything other than a quarterback."
Round: 1
Pick: 4
Team: Atlanta Falcons
Commentary: "The Atlanta Falcons are at a crossroads. They have a former NFL MVP on the roster in quarterback Matt Ryan. And at 35, he should still have at least a few years of solid play left in the tank.
But the Falcons will also be welcoming a new head coach and a new general manager in 2021, and this is a team that doesn't often (at least in recent years) pick in the top five.
The opportunity is there for the Falcons to look to the future under center, and the franchise would be wise to take it.
In 2020, Zach Wilson had himself a year at Brigham Young.
He was fantastic as a junior, racking up 3,699 passing yards and 33 touchdown passes with just three interceptions. He also showed an ability to extend plays and gain yardage with his legs, adding 254 yards and 10 scores on the ground.
There are pundits who feel that Wilson, and not Justin Fields, is the No. 2 prospect at quarterback in 2021. Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski had Wilson coming off the board ahead of Fields in his recent mock draft.
Wilson absolutely has the potential to be a solid starter at the NFL level. The Falcons also wouldn't need to rush the youngster onto the field.
At least not until 2022, when moving on from Ryan isn't as costly relative to the salary cap."
Round: 1
Pick: 14
Team: New England Patriots