Jaguars performed due diligence before zeroing in on Trevor Lawrence

The Jacksonville Jaguars haven’t had trouble embracing all the talk about taking quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick. It’s one of the worst kept secrets in the NFL and both head coach Urban Meyer and assistant head coach Charlie Strong have implied the team will take the Clemson standout with the top selection. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media recently shed light on how the Jags’ reached a consensus.

Rapoport says that even though the Jaguars will most likely draft Lawrence first overall, they performed due diligence in the 2021 quarterback class, getting their coaching staff together in late January. Also, Meyer told the NFL insider the team’s brass arranged virtual meetings with the top quarterback prospects, Lawerence, Justin Fields, and Zach Wilson.

Meyer said all of them got “really high marks” but added that Lawrence stood out and likes how he’s dealing with his newfound celebrity status. He also compared the Tennessee native to brothers Joey and Nick Bosa, whom he coached in college. Moreover, the former Florida and Ohio State head coach believes the three of them are hard workers, selfless and caring.

The Bosa brothers are having successful NFL careers, and injuries notwithstanding, they are two of the top defenders in the league. The fact Lawrence possesses the same character traits as them should make the Jaguars’ brass confident about using the top pick in the draft on him.

The Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t do anything out of the ordinary.

Scouting departments spent a vast amount of time watching tape, setting virtual meetings, and interviewing prospects’ coaches and teammates. The Jaguars’ approach to Lawrence was no different. They did research on him and the other top quarterback prospects, Wilson and Fields.

On the other hand, it was refreshing to hear Meyer share insight into the process. There was always a chance Lawrence was going to be the Jaguars’ top pick, but the team’s brass needed to make sure he was the right pick. Both Wilson and Fields are talented players, so if they are picking Lawrence, it is because they think he stands out and will develop into a better pro.

The draft is less than 48 hours away. Knowing who will be the Jaguars pick doesn’t make it less exciting. They have been looking for a potential franchise quarterback and they are about to get him.