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.

3. Anthony Richardson, Colts

Next up is the second of two rookie quarterbacks in this division. Anthony Richardson is ranked just above Stroud, but not by much. The reason for his ranking is simply because he has flashed more in the preseason than Stroud did, and that's exactly where we're at right now. These are the post-preseason rankings, and they will more than likely change sooner rather than later.

Richardson's physical tools were on full display during the preseason, as we saw him make a couple of excellent, noteworthy plays with both his arm and legs.

Richardson definitely has a stronger arm than Stroud and is built differently. He's a stronger, more physical player overall and can run with a purpose, whereas Stroud is more of a pocket passer with some mobile attributes. Richardson was certainly an example of a team picking a player based largely on potential and ceiling. But, if it pays off, the Colts will look all the wiser.

The above play shows just how strong of an arm Richardson possesses, getting that ball out and on a rope in a hurry. If he can consistently make plays like that, Richardson will find himself even higher on these rankings down the line. For now, the rookie stays toward the bottom along with his fellow first-year pro, Stroud.

2. Ryan Tannehill, Titans

At number two comes the Titans' current starting quarterback, Ryan Tannehill. The word "current" is key, here, because the Titans have two youngsters sitting behind him that would jump at an opportunity to replace him.

The Titans drafted Malik Willis last year, and Will Levis this year, and both have been in heated competition throughout the summer and preseason. Still, Tannehill has looked far superior throughout that process. In a shocking development, Willis improved drastically and looks to be ahead of Levis on the depth chart.

For now, the veteran Tannehill will keep his job. Throughout camp, Tannehill has said things along the lines of feeling youthful again, being ready for the season and hopefully to lead the Titans back to the postseason if he has his way.

In a forgettable season last year, Tannehill's year was cut short due to injury and he threw for 2,536 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions in 12 starts. With the addition of DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks entering Year 2, fans are hopeful that Tannehill has at least one more good season in him before the team hands over the reins.

1. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars

It has been quite some time since the Jaguars saw their quarterback atop any type of power rankings, but here we are. Trevor Lawrence easily comes in at no. 1 within these divisional rankings, and he's only entering his third season as a pro.

Last season, Lawrence broke out with 4,113 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and just eight picks. He also ran for five scores, giving him 30 touchdowns in total on the year. Now entering 2023, Lawrence is familiar with Pederson's system and has even more weapons at his disposal.

The big name is Calvin Ridley, who returns to action after serving his suspension in 2022. Ridley has been a star of training camp and looks like he's back to form and hasn't missed a beat. Hopefully, he stays that way and remains healthy. Between Ridley, Christian Kirk, Evan Engram and others, Lawrence is going to have a fine arsenal of weapons in the passing game.

In addition, the Jaguars are hoping a rushing attack of Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby allow some pressure to be taken off the quarterback's shoulders. Assuming health is on their side, the Jaguars offense could be even better this season under Lawrence's guidance.