“With Zach, we knew Zach was really talented. We didn’t know the person. We love the day-to-day with Zach and we love the person. He’s smart and collaborative,” Patton added. [has] “All the intangibles. Obviously he played well and moved the team, and ‘Steddy’ (Stidham) did that as well. We love our group.”
Wilson is an interesting character in the group.
After leaving New York after three terrible seasons, the former No. 2 overall pick didn’t last long in Denver’s starting defensive back position. However, he showed marked improvement during the preseason. He showed better tackling, less tension in the pocket, and read passes much better than he did in New York.
Patton was asked if he thought Wilson still had the ability to break into the starting lineup.
“No question about it. He has the tools to start everywhere,” the general manager responded. “It was really cool to watch him without any expectations. He can go out and play football. He has all the attributes. He has all the attributes of a starter in the world. He’s still working on some things. And you could see what he’s good at and what he’s really good at last week in the game. He can throw as well as anyone in the league. I’ve said before that he’s smart and he’s a great kid. He has the attributes to start everywhere. I think he’s going to be a starter in this league.”
Given that the Broncos just spent a first-round pick on the Knicks, Wilson is unlikely to be a starter in Denver (if he is, Patton will likely be out of a job).
Wilson’s tools were never in question. We knew he had the strength and athleticism to play for since his days at Brigham Young University. But the problem was between his ears. In New York, he didn’t seem confident in his play, making misreads and throwing incomplete shots on a regular basis. We didn’t see much of that in Denver during the preseason. Was it simply a result of playing against so many players who no longer have NFL jobs? Were his few months under Payton the elixir a first-round pick needed?
If Payton can turn Wilson into an NFL starter in limited time, it could be his best overhaul project. It would also serve as an indictment of the offensive coaching staffs (plural) that have been built around the quarterback in New York.