When it comes to the NFL draft, you always have to expect the unexpected, as there’s no reliable way to know who’s going to flop. One rookie class can propel your team to the playoffs while often missing on early-round picks is going to cost you your job. Ask, former Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell, who got the boot after years of minimal results.
Calwell’s successor, Trent Baalke had several picks at his disposal in this year’s draft and came out of it with nine players. While some of them have contributed early, some haven’t had the impact the team probably expected.
Keep in mind that the Jaguars waived wide receiver Jalen Camp before the start of the season, so he got an F right out of the game. Here’s how the rest of the Jaguars’ 2021 rookie class has fared after 11 games.
Jaguars’ rookie report card – Trevor Lawrence – 1st round, 1st overall
As talented as Mac Jones, Justin Fields, and Zach Fields are, the Jaguars zeroed in on Trevor Lawrence early in the draft process, and there was a 99.9 certainty they would use the first overall pick on him.
At first sight, it looks like Lawrence is struggling. His stats don’t paint an encouraging picture, a 58 percent completion rate, nine touchdowns, and ten interceptions ahead of Week 13. However, a closer look will reveal he’s playing well in spite of having a less-than-stellar supporting cast.
Lawrence has and will make mistakes, just like any other rookie but he’s not the reason the Jags are currently 2-9. You could argue that the coaching staff should bench in favor of C.J. Beathard to win but that would hinder his progress. Even though he doesn’t have much talent at his disposal, the Jaguars must ensure he keeps developing, and having him play is the best way to ensure that happens.
Don’t forget this was always going to be a developing year. If Lawrence keeps getting better and the Jaguars’ front office can add some firepower to the offense next offseason, this team should improve a lot.
Grade: B
Jaguars’ rookie report card – Travis Etienne – 1st round, 25th overall
The Jaguars made the unconventional decision to draft Travis Etienne with the 25th overall pick. Although you can always acquire a good running back in later rounds, the team’s brass thought the former Clemson Tiger would give the offense a boost, and they were into something.
Etienne showed explosiveness and burst in training camp but he then suffered a Lisfranc injury that ended his rookie campaign before it started. It’s hard to hand him a grade when he hasn’t played a down this season. The Jags could certainly use E-T-N right now, as James Robinson is dealing with a heel injury and isn’t 100 percent healthy. They will have to wait until next year to see what kind of impact Etienne can have on the field.
Grade: N/A
Jaguars’ rookie report card – Tyson Campbell – 2nd round, 33rd overall
Rookie Tyson Campbell is a clear example of why it’s the preseason is not an indicator of future success. Sure, it’s important for players to get as many reps in preparation for the regular season, but you can just base your evaluation solely on their preseason performance.
Even though Campbell struggled in the preseason, he was a Day 1 starter. He didn’t perform well in the season opener but has steadily improved, becoming a mainstay of Jacksonville’s secondary along the way. The former Georgia Bulldog logged his first career interception against the Atlanta Falcons and posted the highest Pro Football Focus grade among Jaguars’ defenders.
The Jaguars are most likely thrilled with Campbell, who’s only going to get better.
Grade: B+
Jaguars’ rookie report card – Walker Little – 2nd round, 45th overall
Jaguars offensive line coach George Warhop said during the offseason that Walker Little was as, if not, more prepared than a first or second-round selection he’s ever coached. While that may be true, the former Stanford Cardinal has made just one start in 2021, the Week 9 game against the Buffalo Bills, but has otherwise watched from the sidelines.
Little performed well all things considered in his lone start. However, Cam Robinson has played well and is entrenched at left tackle. The rookie has a lot of upside but may have to wait until next year to join the starting lineup. One alternative could be to move him to right tackle and let him showcase his talent.
Grade: C+
Jaguars’ rookie report card – Andre Cisco – 3rd round, 65th overall
Andre Cisco had the highest Pro Football Focus overall grade among rookie safeties in the preseason but hasn’t played much in 2021. The coaching staff went with Andrew Wingard and the former Orangeman hasn’t seen the field much. In fact, he saw his snaps on defense decrease after getting a few in the first two weeks of the season.
When starter Rayshawn Jenkins got disqualified in Week 11, sophomore Daniel Thomas got the nod over Cisco. That could be a sign the rookie safety may not be ready for a bigger role on the Jaguars’ offense. While it’s too early to pan the pick, you would want to see more from Cisco by now.
Grade: C-
Jaguars’ rookie report card – Jay Tufele, 4th round, 106th overall
Defensive tackle Jay Tufele has only been active against the Tennesee Titans in Week 5. It looked like he was going to get more playing time but hurt his hand during warmups the following week. He was then placed and on the Injured Reserve list and was designated to return not long ago.
A surging Taven Bryan may make it difficult for Tufele to get playing time for the remainder of the season. The former USC Trojan will most likely have to wait until next year to join the Jags’ defensive line rotation.
Grade: D
Jaguars’ rookie report card – Jordan Smith, 4th round, 121st overall
At least Tufele has been active for one game and has gotten a handful of snaps. Edge rusher Jordan Smith has not made his NFL debut yet, and it doesn’t seem like he will any time soon, as the Jaguars’ have depth at outside linebacker. An injury could change that but the UAB product won’t probably see the field anytime soon.
Grade: F
Jaguars’ rookie report card – Luke Farrell, 5th round, 145th overall
Luke Farrell wasn’t active in Week 12 but has suited up for ten games and has hauled in six receptions for 49 yards, which is the kind of production you should expect from a third-string tight end. All in all, the Ohio State product his performance has been on par with his draft slot.
Grade: B