After years of mixed results, Trevor Lawrence has become one of the most polarizing players in the NFL. His supporters think he's the long-term answer at quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars while his critics argue that he's a mediocre passer. The truth, though, may lay somewhere in between. A couple an NFL analysts chimed in and revealed where they stand in the discussion.
Steve Palazzolo and Steve Monson discussed on the Check the Mic podcast if the Jags can exceed their projected total of 7.5 wins for 2025. The exchange then turned to Lawrence and whether he can be a top-10 quarterback.
"My narrative got killed last year, when he was so inconsistent early in the year," Palazzolo responded when asked how he sees Lawrence. "I always say don't look for these perfect trends, but I still look for them. Turned the corner in 22', carried it into 23', then got hurt, all right? Bounce back at 24? No, didn't happen, right? I mean, the trajectory was pointed up, and then it kind of stalled a little bit with Trevor last year before he got hurt again. So I don't know. Sustained top 10? That's a low standard."
Palazzolo then points out that Matthew Stafford wasn't the most consistent signal-caller early in his career but eventually managed to put it all together. He believes Lawrence could follow a similar path but argues that consistency remains an issue.
"I mean, Matthew Stafford's been a top 10 quarterback over the last few years, but I don't think he was a top 10 quarterback over the first 10 years of his career. So figure that one out. Depends on who's in the league, but I think Lawrence absolutely can get there, but consistency is a legitimate concern for Trevor Lawrence and on. We're talking throw for throw, game to game, and now even season to season, just when he turns the corner, maintaining it," Palazzolo said.
Monson then argues that Lawrence won't lived up to the generational label he got coming out of Clemson.
"I think the general fair question of, like, what is his ceiling now, because he was talked about as, you know, generational quarterback to come along, since whoever, I mean, I don't think he has that ceiling in him, like, I don't think that's on the table in the NFL. I don't think Trevor Lawrence can put himself in the Josh Allen category of quarterbacks right now.
Now, to be fair, most people can't, but most people weren't talked about as the best prospect since Peyton Manning, John Elway, Andrew Luck, whatever. The question is, how high up that rankings, whatever your theoretical, abstract quarterback rankings are like, how high do you think he can push himself?
The duo continues the debate with Palazzolo arguing that Lawrence has top-8 potential, whereas Monson isn't so sure he can achieve that level of play.
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Why Trevor Lawrence is poised to bounce back for the Jaguars in 2025
All things considered, it's understandable why Sam Monson doesn't think Trevor Lawrence can meet the generational talent expectations. As his co-host stated, he hasn't been consistent enough. On the other hand, No. 16's jaw-dropping play to finish 2022 gives you a reason for optimism. Sure, his mechanics and decision-making last year were sloppy, but he had a subpar supporting cast and got inadequate coaching from Doug Pederson.
It's fair to assume that Lawrence can turn the corner with Liam Coen calling the shots. During his only season as the Tampa Bay offensive coordinator, not only did he turn them into a powerhouse, but he also helped Baker Mayfield post career numbers. He's expected to have a similar impact in Jacksonville.
Couple that with the upgrades the front office made in the offseason, and Lawrence is in a position to prove he was the quarterback the Jags expected when they drafted him first overall in 2021.
In the same breath, Lawrence must prove he's capable of playing at a high level on a consistent basis. Otherwise, the noise will only grow louder.