ROUNDING THE BASES Projected No. 2 pick Zach Wilson impresses coaches in passing drills

Zach Wilson gave observers a taste Friday of why he’s projected to go higher in the NFL draft than any BYU player before him.

The quarterback only took part in passing drills, following a script of 60 passes drawn up by former BYU and NFL quarterback John Beck. Wilson threw a mix of deep routes, crossing routes, slants, curls, and wheel routes.

Wilson made virtually every pass look effortless.

“The goal of today was to show what makes me different, the type of throws that I can make that I feel like other guys don’t practice and don’t try and do,” Wilson said.

Wilson is projected to go second overall to the New York Jets in the latest mock drafts from ESPN analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd Mcshay. The Jets had GM Joe Douglas, coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike Lafleur in Provo to watch Wilson throw.

Officials from numerous NFL teams, including the Falcons, also attended.

RAVENS: Baltimore is expected to sign former Bills and Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins to a one-year deal, according to media reports, adding a potential starter and experienced veteran to a much-criticized group. The deal is reportedly worth $5 million, with another $1 million in incentives.

BEARS: Chicago signed former Chiefs running back and Super Bowl LIV star Damien Williams to a one-year contract Friday, giving them depth to go with David Montgomery. Williams, who opted out last season because of COVID19 concerns and to spend time with his mother as she battled stage 4 cancer, was released March 16.