Zach Wilson during the Denver Broncos’ training camp on July 26, 2024. (Isaiah J. Downing/USA Today Sports.)

Zach Wilson is sporting a new uniform after being traded to the Denver Broncos in April. He appears to be adjusting rather quickly and has a familiar face to thank for that.

Defensive end John Franklin-Myers was acquired by the team from the New York Jets around the same time Wilson was. He’s seen maturing from the quarterback since the beginning of his career across those three seasons.

“When he was a younger kid coming into New York, it was tough for him over there,” Franklin-Myers told the Associated Press. “He shows up to work, he definitely puts his best foot forward every day and he wants to be better, he wants to learn. He asks questions, and you talk about getting better, that’s the first step.”

Wilson is going to need patience as he vies for a starting spot in a three-way competition. Jarrett Stidham and Bo Nix also have their eyes on the prized pocket.

Wilson mentioned working on consistency and paying attention to the little things.

Head coach Sean Payton credited Wilson’s job thus far saying the 24-year-old picked up the offense, but it would be about perfecting it. Something he wanted out of veteran Russell Wilson.

Payton’s offense is extremely quarterback-friendly … if you can grasp it with speed and detail. It’s what made 13-time Pro Bowler Drew Brees so successful. Well that, and the extra tutoring former Saints quarterbacks coach Joe Lombardi held for him in order to break it down more efficiently.

Wilson’s goal is to make this offense more second-nature to him. We’ll see how he does with that.

[Associated Press]

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About Jessica Kleinschmidt

Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.