AFC South QB rankings after final preseason game

It is about that time for the Jacksonville Jaguars to defend their AFC South crown, only this season, fans are hoping for more than a late season push to inch their way into the postseason.

This is Year 3 for Trevor Lawrence and his second season under Doug Pederson. It's a big year. The comfort level and additional weapons for Lawrence is on a whole new level.

Now that the preseason is over, we can officially look ahead to Week 1. Before we do, though, let's check in on our final preseason quarterback rankings around the AFC South, beginning with a rookie in Houston.

4. C.J. Stroud, Texans

This division has a pair of rookie quarterbacks, with the Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud kicking things off. Stroud was taken ahead of Anthony Richardson, of course, but throughout this preseason, the Texans rookie has looked a little spotty.

Stroud should undoubtedly be just fine as a pro, but could start out slow. Adjusting to the NFL takes time for most young quarterbacks, especially one like Stroud who is coming into an offense that features a ho-hum cast of offensive weapons.

Could the likes of John Metchie, Tank Dell, Dameon Pierce and company surprise us? Could Robert Woods resurrect and become what he once was, and Devin Singletary prove to be an even better compliment than we thought? Of course all of that could happen. And, for Stroud to rank any higher on this list, much of that might have to happen.

The fact is, Stroud doesn't have as much help as he could, but that may end up coming in his second year.