4 players Jaguars can’t afford to lose to injuries in 2021

The Jacksonville Jaguars must expect Trevor Lawrence to start every game.

The Jaguars took Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick in this year’s selection meeting because they think he can become their franchise quarterback. Although they haven’t named him the starter yet, it’s just a matter of time before they do. They didn’t draft him to sit on the bench, and even if they wanted to, he’s simply too talented to hold a clipboard. Also, he is arguably the best signal-caller on the roster and the one that gives the team the best chance to win now.

Gardner Minshew is still on the roster even though he wants a chance to compete. The Washington State product is a valuable backup, one that can a few games for the Jags if Lawrence misses a few games. Nevertheless, the gap in talent between the two is significant. Minshew went 1-7 as the starter in 2020 after finishing 6-6 the season before. It’s true that the Jaguars lacked talent but the former Cougar failed to provide a spark to the offense.

Lawrence will certainly go through the growing pains most rookies encounter but he is simply too talented to flop in the NFL. At worst, he will be a game manager in 2021 but even then, he should be able to take advantage of all the weapons the Jaguars have put at his disposal… the way Minshew in his first campaign in the pros. If the Clemson product performs up to his potential, he will help the Jaguars turn into a competitive club.