Jaguars QB situation ranks surprisingly high in recent list

Quarterback was the Jacksonville Jaguars’ most pressing need ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft. That’s why it wasn’t surprising to see them take Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick. While the Clemson standout has been labeled as a generational talent, he hasn’t taken a snap yet, so you won’t hear any conversations about him being a top signal-caller in the NFL. However, he and the Jags’ had a favorable ranking.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently ranked all 32 quarterback situations in the NFL ahead of the 2021 season and the Jaguars popped up at number 20. This is a rather high spot place on the list based on the fact Lawrence hasn’t played at the pro level yet. Knox is analyzing the whole room as a whole, not just the rookie but is amusing nonetheless.

Knox says this Jacksonville team should feel great about the state of the quarterback position after taking Lawrence with the top pick in this year’s selection meeting. He echoes other analysts’ assessment of the former Tiger and says he’s as NFL-ready as someone can be. He then goes on to cite Nate Tice of the B/R scouting department,

"Lawrence is the complete package of size, arm talent, athleticism, and intangibles. Although he played in a very simple offense in college, his ability to deliver top-tier throws at all three levels with a variety of touch and consistent placement is something that translates to any offense."

The Jacksonville Jaguars also have a favorable backup QB situation.

Later in the article, Knox briefly touches on Gardner Minshew II, whom he describes as a quality backup with starting experience. Not long ago, the Washinton State product was ranked among the league’s top 25 quarterbacks, so the Jags arguably have one of the top backups in the NFL. Knox doesn’t talk much about C.J. Beathard or sophomore Jake Luton but you know you have a good quarterback room when your third and fourth options have previously started games.

Knox says that it’s impossible to put Jacksonville in the top half of the ranking because Lawrence hasn’t taken the field at the pro level yet. Precisely because of that, you could argue that he was generous in his analysis. The Clemson product is generating mostly positive reviews in the team’s organized team activities but it’s not the same to perform knowing your teammates can’t get close to you in practice than trying to complete a pass with a 300-pound rusher in your face.

Lawrence has the potential to throw for over 4,000 yards and around 26 touchdowns this offseason. He should also be an early candidate for the Offensive rookie of the Year Award. If he is forced to miss time, the Jaguars’ offense won’t suffer a steep dropoff in production with Minshew at the helm. Even though he is no longer viewed as the long-term answer at quarterback, he could a few games in needed, as the team has better talent all around.

Lawrence should be a fixture at quarterback for a long time, but the Jaguars have depth at the position, which is not something they could say last season.