3 dream scenarios for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023

2. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence gets widespread recognition as a top 5 QB

Trevor Lawrence was dubbed the most talented quarterback prospect to come out of college since Andrew Luck in 2012. But as gifted as Lawrence was, he couldn't overcome Urban Meyer's subpar coaching, which had a negative effect on his development.

Besides completing less than 60 percent of his passes as a rookie, Lawrence threw more interceptions than touchdowns. Realizing that hiring Meyer was a mistake, the Jaguars let him go and brought in an actual head coach in Doug Pederson, who won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles and had a superb track record of developing quarterbacks.

Pederson had to start over with the former Clemson Tiger but the work paid off as he improved in nearly every meaningful passing category in Year 2. Similarly, Lawrence put the team on his back and led several comeback wins.

Heading into Year 3, Lawrence has gotten more recognition around the league however, some analysts are wary of labeling him a top 5 quarterback because 'he's only had one good season'. This is a bit puzzling since some quarterbacks that have gotten love haven't been nearly as successful as Lawrence.

For example, Justin Herbert often appears in the top 5 of quarterback rankings despite the fact that the Los Angeles Chargers lost to the Jags twice last season. It's true that football is a team sport but when the Bolts needed Herbert to come clutch, he came crashing down. Similarly, Lamar Jackson was the 2019 NFL MVP but he hasn't been nearly as effective over the last three seasons.

Lawrence is now entering Year 3 and has a chance to solidify his place in the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks. The fact that he'll have a better grasp of Pederson's system and the addition of wide receiver Calvin Ridley to the offense should help him get there.