Zach Wilson will have an opportunity to fight for the Denver Broncos starting job, but he hasn’t gotten off to the best of starts.
Wilson joined the Broncos via trade this offseason following an unsuccessful stint with the New York Jets. He will hope to live up to the potential he showed upon entering the league after getting an opportunity for a fresh start.
According to a report from the Denver Post, the former No. 2 overall pick looked “rattled” while practicing with the starters during OTAs on Tuesday. The quarterback is said to have struggled to find a rhythm in 11-on-11 drills, though he showed impressive arm strength.
The report notes: “When Denver was doing 11-on-11, cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian blitzed Wilson. The rattled QB threw an interception to safety P.J. Locke. Wilson had nowhere to go and might’ve been better off holding on to the ball or throwing it away. Instead, he tried to make something happen and Denver’s defense took advantage.”
Zach Wilson’s turn to run with the ones today.
Jarrett Stidham and Bo Nix after. Numerical order today pic.twitter.com/qVVMzNNo8y— Romi Bean (@Romi_Bean) June 4, 2024
OTA’s continue for the @Broncos as the race for QB1 continues.
Zach Wilson ran with the 1’s today.
Bo Nix seems to be winning the back flexibility contest. pic.twitter.com/d7DMm7QUja— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) June 4, 2024
He also overthrew a pass to wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. on a deep route and missed running back Javonte Williams on a short pass. Cornerback Damarri Mathis broke up a pass to WR Brandon Johnson too.
“His best throw of the day was a completion near the sideline to wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. on a comeback route,” the Post adds. “Before the completion, he tried to find Mims for a deep pass, but the ball was overthrown with Mathis in coverage.”
Zach Wilson Hasn’t Put His Starting Prospects In Danger Yet
Despite the early jitters, Wilson is still in contention to start for Sean Payton. He is competing with Jarrett Stidham and rookie Bo Nix.
“When we got Jarrett [Stidham], there was a pretty significant iPhone-to-Android adjustment there,” Payton said. “Whereas Zach’s case, there’s a little bit of similarities relative to how things are called. These guys (have) picked it up quickly.”
Sean Payton on Zach Wilson: “We just felt like, man, we’d love to work with this guy. It wasn’t too long ago; we remember grading him & we felt the investment was worth it relative to his skillset & his talent…We spent the better part of a month & a half working on that trade.” pic.twitter.com/QfahENi12l
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) June 5, 2024
According to the report, Stidham was consistent and accurate, making multiple completions.
It will be an interesting battle between Denver’s three QBs, but Nix will likely be given a chance to start early in the season.
