Zach Wilson was bringing back Jets memories at Broncos practice.
The Denver Post reported that Wilson looked “rattled” during organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday and, more specifically, 11-on-11 drills with the first team, while he struggled to find a rhythm.
One play, in particular, sounded a lot like the former second-overall pick’s time with the Jets.
Wilson was caught off guard by a corner blitz from Ja’Quan McMillian before throwing a ball up for grabs which was intercepted by safety P.J. Locke.
Wilson also overthrew wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. on a deep route, missed running back Javonte Williams on a short pass and had a ball thrown to wideout Brandon Johnson broken up by cornerback Damarri Mathis.
The report does mention that Wilson’s best throw of the day came on a Mims comeback route with reports suggesting that his arm strength was noticeable.
Wilson’s overall performance during OTAs with Denver has been categorized as inconsistent.
It is the early stages of a three-man competition to be the team’s starter with Wilson, who the Jets traded to Denver this offseason, going against incumbent Jarrett Stidham and rookie Bo Nix.
Coach Sean Payton mentioned that he’s still been impressed with Wilson’s ability to pick up the offense.
“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.”
Stidham worked with the second-team offense, consistently and accurately peppering his receivers with completions underneath, according to the report.
Nix, the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, reportedly worked with the third team and was solid.
Nix is likely to be given the opportunity to start at some point early in the season as he enters the league at 24 years old, having spent his college career at Auburn and Oregon.
Nix finished the 2023 season with a 77.4 completion percentage with the Ducks, throwing for 4,508 along with 45 touchdowns and just three interceptions.
