2021 NFL Draft: Grading Jacksonville Jaguars’ nine draft picks

How did the Jacksonville Jaguars fare in the first round?

The Jaguars taking quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the top selection in 2021’s draft was one of the worst kept secrets in the NFL for months and even head coach Urban Meyer implied it several times. The fact everyone knew the Clemson standout would be the pick didn’t take away any of the excitement though. After all, this Jacksonville has never had a true franchise quarterback and their search seems to be finally over.

Lawrence was the top quarterback in the draft and even though the team’s brass performed due diligence on Zach Wilson and Justin Fields, the Tennessee native was always going to be their pick. After taking several shots and missing in the last decade, the Jaguars’ have a talented signal-caller who should be their Day 1 starter.

Grade: A

The Jaguars took a dual threat with their second first-round selection. Travis Etienne will form, along with sophomore James Robinson, one of the most electrifying running back tandems in the league. An outstanding target out of the backfield, the former Tiger will surely have an important role in the team’s rushing attack.

However, teams can always find quality running backs in later rounds, and as good as Etienne can be, Jacksonville had the chance to add Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who could have an even bigger impact on offense, or Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth.

Grade: C+