Nate Burleson: Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence flying under the radar

The Jacksonville Jaguars have one of the youngest rosters in the NFL. This doesn’t come as a surprise as they are in the early stages of a rebuild. Although there are a few veterans in place, head coach Urban Meyer and general manager Trent Baalke used the draft as the principal means to acquire talent this offseason. In fact, they used the top pick in this year’s selection meeting to acquire franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Emmy Award winner Nate Burleson believes wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. is poised for a breakout season in 2021. However, he isn’t the only Jaguar the NFL Media broadcaster has recently talked about. Burleson recently appeared on the Rich Eisen showed and said that Lawrence is flying under the radar.

The former NFL receiver mentioned he is hearing positive things about Lawrence and added that “there’s something about the underdog” he feels identified with. He then recalls his tenure with the Detroit Lions and watching Calvin Johnson play at a time when they struggled to win games.

Burleson goes on to say the Jaguars are piecing together one hell of a wide receiver corps that includes DJ Chark and Marvin Jones Jr. He then tells Rich Eisen to watch out for the Jaguars, as he believes they aren’t that much of a rebuild as people think.

Are Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars really flying under the radar?

Lawrence isn’t a late-round selection from an obscure Division III program. He was one of the most talented college players in recent years and the top selection in this year’s selection meeting, so he’s hardly flying under the radar. As a matter of fact, he should be an early candidate for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

On the other hand, the Jaguars as a whole do fit the definition of an underdog. Their defense ranked next to last in both points allowed and total yards last year. The offense didn’t fare much better and was 28th in points scored. Moreover, head coach Urban Meyer is making his NFL debut this season. As successful as he was at Florida and Ohio State, the transition from college to the pros isn’t an easy one.

On the bright side, Meyer has been putting his stamp on the Jags this offseason. The team’s brass fortified the defensive front and revamped the secondary this offseason. Furthermore, the head coach has made sure players have everything they need to succeed, which hasn’t always been the case in Duval.

Also, there’s a core of difference-makers in place, linebacker Myles Jack, center Brandon Linder, and running back James Robinson, so the Jaguars aren’t devoid of talent.  This Jacksonville team has a lot of upside ahead of the 2021 season, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see them winning seven or eight games and pulling a few upsets. The Jags haven’t been good for a while, but don’t be surprised if things change as soon as this upcoming season, and Trevor Lawrence should have a big role.