Choosing a player with the first overall pick in the draft is no easy task. Pick the right one and you will have a cornerstone player for years to come. On the other, taking the wrong one can set your franchise back for several years. Even though quarterback Trevor Lawrence was the most talented prospect to come out of the collegiate ranks, the Jacksonville Jaguars still had to do their due diligence before zeroing in on him.
In the end, it looks like the Jags got the pick right, as Lawrence has played well and is showing growth every single week. However, the rest of Jacksonville’s draft class hasn’t had the same impact as the former Clemson Tiger. Head coach Urban Meyer recently gave an assessment of some of the Jaguars’ first-year players. Defensive coordinator Joe Cullen recently spoke to the media and also shared his thoughts on a couple of rookie defenders.
Cullen was asked about safety Andre Cisco, who has seen his playing time on defense decrease after playing 23 snaps in the season opener.
"We had a little package for him the other day and he did well on it. We had a package where he came in, covered the running back who had done a good job and he did a good job with that. Just continuing developing."
Later, the defensive coordinator talked about defensive tackle Jay Tufele, who played 13 defensive snaps in Week 5 but injured his hand during warmups ahead of the Jaguars’ game versus the Miami Dolphins.
"Jay, he played solid the week before he’s been practicing. Unfortunately he got injured, you know in pregame but he’s been coming along well."
The Jaguars’ brass isn’t going to bash their own players. After all, they were the ones that choose them. Nevertheless, their 2021 rookie class isn’t contributing much. If any other first-year player on offense or defense besides Lawrence had an impact, this Jacksonville team could be better than it currently is. There’s still plenty of time left in the season for one of them to step up but so far, the early returns aren’t encouraging.
Jacksonville Jaguars CB Shaquill Griffin has the correct mindset.
Playing in the NFL is a very demanding job. Being in optimal shape is key but that’s not the only key to thriving. You have to spend hours studying tape and must also have the mental fortitude to withstand the highs and the lows. After listening to cornerback Shaquill Griffin speak, it’s clear he has the right mindset to right the ship in Duval.
It took the Jaguars six tries but they were finally able to win one game in 2021. It wasn’t easy but the coaching staff and the players needed to continue working hard. Griffin’s personality surely played a role in keeping the team focused and avoiding letting all the losing become demoralizing.
Griffin spoke to the media Tuesday and talked about the Jaguars’ most recent win. He says the team earned their first victory of the season at the right time. He added that the younger players now know what winning a football game feels like.
"I feel that we needed that, that environment, that feeling. And now that everybody knows what it feels like we don’t want to lose it. So I think that was the most important thing again, I think it came at a perfect time, going into the BYE week. The guys can come back, get healthy, clear their minds."
Moving forward, Griffin believes the confidence in the Jaguars’ locker room is going to be different. However, he noted that he and his teammates need to build off of that, and stay focused. The 2019 Pro Bowl nod is enjoying the team’s win but he isn’t letting him get to his head. That’s the approach the Jaguars most maintain ahead of their matchup against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 8.
As important as Griffin is for the Jaguars’ defense, his impact goes beyond the football field. His presence in the locker room and his influence on his younger teammates are invaluable.
Trevor Lawrence keeps proving the Jacksonville Jaguars right.
Rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence is in an interesting position. Even though he wasn’t the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, he isn’t getting much attention from the national media. One big reason behind the lack of coverage he’s getting is the Jaguars aren’t a very good team. You won’t get many primetime games or make headlines when you can’t win football games.
On the other hand, the Jags are more than pleased with Lawrence’s development in his first year in the NFL. Offensive coordinator Brian Davoll praises the rookie passer whenever he can. He told the local media this past game might have been the quarterback’s best in 2021.
"I think his progression has been steady. This game probably showed the most because of what they [the Dolphins] did defensively. They gave him a lot of tough looks, he handled the looks with poise, he was able to orchestrate the things that he needed to. He got us in and out of some plays, not all of them were perfect and clean, but the majority of them were and he just was able to keep the ball moving he was able to stay confident."
Not only is Lawrence showing the ability to make all kinds of throws. He’s also displayed a good feel for the pass rush and stands tall in the pocket but moves around when necessary. He’s learning to read coverages better and keeps getting better at making decisions. Keep in mind that he’s just made his sixth start in the NFL (even if it feels like he’s played longer).
Bevell is right, Lawrence’s “upward movement” will continue. His play alone should get him consideration for the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award but he will solidify his case if the Jaguars are able to win a few more games this season.