Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence’s place in recent ranking feels right

There are several reasons why the Jacksonville Jaguars are currently 2-9 but quarterback Trevor Lawrence isn’t one of them. Every game, the former Clemson Tiger will showcase the talent that made him the top overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and make a few ‘wow’ throws. Nevertheless, he landed near the cellar of a recent quarterback list.

Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports ranked all NFL quarterbacks ahead of Week 13 and Lawrence popped up at 26, one spot ahead of Taysom Hill (New Orleans Saints) and one below veteran Teddy Bridgewater (Denver Broncos). This doesn’t come as a surprise as the Jaguars are currently 2-9 and their rookie passer has completed 58 percent of his passing attempts for 2,369 yards with nine touchdowns and ten interceptions Benjamin gets to the point when it comes to Lawrence’s assessment:

"“What substantial takeaway can you even have from his rookie season besides, “This team really stinks”?”"

Fellow rookie Mac Jones (New England Patriots) was ranked as the 15th best quarterback and Zach Wilson took the 32nd spot. Justin Fields (Chicago Bears) and Trey Lance (San Francisco 49ers) were not ranked. Jones is currently the best of the bunch but you have to take into account that he landed in a more situation and the Pats surrounded him with as much talent as possible right out of the gate. On the other hand, it makes sense that Wilson and Fields didn’t appear on the list as they have not played as much as their rookie counterparts in 2021.

The Jaguars need to make sure Trevor Lawrence keeps improving.

Players are evaluated based on their on-field production, and in that regard, Lawrence’s numbers don’t justify getting him ranked higher. All things considered, his spot feels just about right, as he hasn’t outplayed Bridgewater nor he is a top 20 quarterback right now. On the other hand, the Jaguars’ brass has expressed praise of their rookie signal-caller and believes he’s on the right path.

Lawrence has improved steadily improved this season. He’s struggled at times but has also shown promise. The Jaguars’ offense currently ranks 31st in points scored. Head coach Urban Meyer recently told the local media injuries have played a role in the team’s inability to generate big plays and he’s right. He noted that not having Travis Etienne, DJ Chark Jr. and Jamal Agnew has hurt the offense’s production.

Lawrence and the Jaguars know this isn’t a sprint and there’s nowhere to go but up. He needs to focus on improving and the organization needs to do its part and surround him with better talent next offseason. If that happens, the Jaguars could be in the playoff race as soon as next year.