Jaguars: Matter of time before Trevor Lawrence is named starting QB

Nobody will argue the importance of a franchise quarterback in today’s NFL. They sometimes get more praise than they deserve and unjustly blamed at others for their team’s failures. Nevertheless, having a top signal-caller gives you the chance to compete week in and week out. That’s why the Jacksonville Jaguars used the first overall pick in this year’s draft on Trevor Lawrence. The Clemson product alone won’t turn the Jags into a Super Bowl contender, but there’s no doubt he will be their starting quarterback in Week 1.

Jaguars passing game coordinator Brian Schottenheimer recently met with the local media and said the team hasn’t named a starting quarterback yet. He added that it’s too early to say how things are going to play out. The truth is that it’s just a matter of time before Lawrence is named the starting quarterback. The Jags didn’t draft the former Tiger to sit on the bench and learn for one year. This approach would make sense if they had an alternative at the position but they don’t. Gardner Minshew is going to win a few games for you but he isn’t the long-term solution.

Also, there’s no scenario where C.J. Beathard or Jake Luton start in Week 1. Keep in mind that Lawrence won’t be the starter by default. He was the most talented quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck and is arguably the best signal-caller on the Jaguars’ roster right now. If this Jacksonville team hadn’t drafted him with the top pick, someone else would have.

Could Trevor Lawrence be on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ sidelines in Week 1?

Lawrence has dealt with a hamstring injury this offseason. This has hindered his progress but other than that, he’s done everything he’s expected from him. The team’s brass wants him to be at full strength in training camp. Thus, they have taken a cautionary approach with him. Barring injuries, he will be the Jaguars’ starting quarterback in the season opener. Even if he fell a bit behind, he would benefit from taking the field early. Just like any other rookie, Trevor will make mistakes but that’s part of the learning process.

The Jags will surround their quarterback with a superb supporting cast. They have a wide receiver corps with the potential to become a top 10 unit. They have two talented running backs in Travis Etienne and James Robinson. Moreover, Jacksonville brought back all their starting offensive linemen from 2020. The continuity up front should help them perform at a high level. Simply, the odds of Lawrence thriving are significantly higher than the ones of him struggling.

Also, Jacksonville’s brass has spent the offseason fortifying their defense, ensuring that Lawrence won’t have to score 30 points every game to win. The organization is doing everything they can to put their rookie quarterback in a position to succeed. It would be puzzling to see them change course and give the starting job to someone else. Whether it’s tomorrow or in a month, Trevor Lawrence will be the Jaguars’ starting quarterback in Week 1.