Trevor Lawrence’s team situation doesn’t earn favorable ranking

The Jacksonville Jaguars believe they have found a franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, whom they drafted first overall earlier this year. They know that they need to surround the Clemson product with enough difference-makers if they want him to succeed. Thus, they have spent the offseason fortifying a roster that was in need of playmakers. Nevertheless, their talent level might not be enough and ranking reflects that.

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports recently ranked every rookie quarterback’s team situation and Lawrence popped up at number four, one spot ahead of Zach Wilson and one below Mac Jones. Justin Field landed at number two and Trey Lance sits at the top spot. Trapasso believes that skill-position players and the offensive line are key for young passers to succeed in the pros. He thinks having a savvy play-caller is next on the list and defense also plays a role.

Regarding Lawrence, Trapasso says that the Jags are in the middle of a rebuild with the rookie quarterback and head coach Urban Meyer at the helm. He points out that the latter “was on the cutting edge of offensive advancements” back in college but frequently benefited from having “a talent advantage in most of the games he coached”. He later described Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell as an “established, mostly good” play-caller throughout his career.

Trapasso goes on to say that Lawrence should feel ecstatic about a wide receiver corps that includes DJ Chark, Laviska Shenault, and Marvin Jones Jr. Moreover, he describes the Jaguars’ running back duo of James Robinson and Travis Etienne as a formidable group. However, he points out that the offensive line is a “work in progress”, especially at offensive tackle, and notes that they will be relying on their 2021 draft class to bolster their defense.

Trevor Lawrence’s supporting cast should be higher on the ranking.

Trapasso makes several valid points. It’s true that Meyer had a talent advantage but he was the one that handpicked his own players, so he deserves credit for his ability to evaluate talent. On the other hand, Bevell has had a history of emphasizing the running game throughout his career. However, he will most likely make Lawrence the focal point of the offense.

The former Tiger could play the role of a game manager early in his rookie campaign, but as the season progresses, Bevell could increase his responsibilities. Lawrence is too talented to hand off the ball 30 times per game.

Also, left tackle Cam Robinson and right tackle Jawaan Taylor need to play better. Offensive line coach George Warhop said that both players have made strides this offseason but there’s plenty of work left to do. In case either one struggles, the team’s brass could give rookie offensive tackle Walker Little a look. The Stanford product hasn’t played in almost two years but has plenty of upside and could end up joining the starting lineup sooner rather than later.

Finally, there’s the Jaguars’ defense. The unit ranked near the cellar in most meaningful defensive categories but the team has reinforced the defensive line and the secondary this offseason. Although is a young unit, it has the potential to overachieve in 2021.

Just like Trevor Lawrence, this is a young Jaguars’ team. They will experience growing pains, but that’s part of the rebuilding process. By the end of the 2021 season, they could be a formidable team if they fulfill their potential.