The New York Jets traded up to acquire the 14th overall pick in Thursday's first round.

New York used the pick on USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker to help protect second overall selection Zach Wilson.

In addition to the 14th pick, the Jets acquired a fourth-round pick from the Minnesota Vikings for the 23rd overall and two third-rounders.

While Trevor Lawrence is the clear consensus top quarterback in the 2021 NFL draft, it has become clear that "almost all" teams have Zach Wilson at No. 2.

Wilson is almost certain to be drafted at No. 2 by the New York Jets.

After Wilson, there are wide ranging opinions on Justin Fields, Mac Jones and Trey Lance. 

The San Francisco 49ers reportedly offered the New York Jets their first-round pick -- 12th overall -- for Sam Darnold before he was dealt to the Carolina Panthers.

According to the report, the timing of the offer is a key reason the Jets didn't accept it.

The Jets were seemingly concerned about the shoulder of Zach Wilson at the time.

The 49ers didn't wait around, instead coming to terms on a deal with the Miami Dolphins allowing them to move up to third overall.

Sam Darnold is happy to have a second chance with the Carolina Panthers, but admitted that it was tough to move on from the New York Jets.

The quarterback was involved in trade rumors in recent months as the Jets explored options at the position.

"That was tough. I'm not going to lie,'' Darnold said. "That was the tough part for me, just because ... I'm a planner. I like to have things planned out and what the next step was going to be.

"The uncertainty there was, for lack of a better term, driving me insane."

The Jets used the third overall pick on Darnold in 2018.

Joe Douglas says the decision to trade Sam Darnold was largely based on draft position and finances.

"I think it's safe to say, if our pick were a little later, we wouldn't be having this discussion right now," the New York Jets general manager said. "We'd fully be comfortable with moving forward with Sam."

The Jets have the second overall pick in the April 29 draft. They traded Darnold to the Carolina Panthers for three draft picks -- a 2021 sixth-round choice, plus 2022 second- and fourth-rounders.

New York is expected to take BYU quarterback Zach Wilson.

The New York Jets have agreed to trade Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers for a second round pick and fourth round pick in 2022 as well as a 2021 sixth rounder.

The Jets own the second overall pick and will presumably select a quarterback with Zach Wilson being the selection they have most strongly linked to.

Darnold was the third overall pick in 2018 out of USC.

Carolina signed Teddy Bridgewater during the first offseason of Matt Rhule as head coach. The Panthers previously pursued a trade for Deshaun Watson.