Pre-training camp AFC South QB rankings: Where do Jaguars & Trevor Lawrence sit?

There's no doubt that quarterback is the most important in the NFL. You can only get so far without a good one. Granted, you could make the case that defenses can win championships, and you would make a compelling point. But with the game on the line, you want a signal-caller that can deliver in the clutch. Not surprisingly, all four times in the AFC South have made a strong investment at the position. The Jacksonville Jaguars, in particular, trust Trevor Lawrence to take the next step in 2025.

Lawrence is coming off a pair of underwhelming seasons, but has previously shown that he can play at a high level. Whether he bounces back remains to be seen, but he certainly has a chance to rejoin the conversation about the top-10 quarterbacks in the NFL.

This begs the question: Is No. 16 the best quarterback in the division? How does he stack up against his peers? With that in mind, here's a pre-training camp ranking of all four passers in the AFC South set to start in 2025.

4. Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans

You must've done something right at the collegiate level for you to be the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, and Cam Ward certainly did many things right at Miami. The former Hurricane certainly has room for improvement. His decision-making could certainly be better, but that's expected from virtually all first-year quarterbacks.

So far, Ward has gotten rave reviews because of his work on the field and his command of the locker room. On top of that, he was given permission by the legendary Warren Moon to wear his previously retired No. 1. This is a long-winded way to say that the West Columbia, Texas native is trending in the right direction. However, it's hard to see him playing better than his more experienced AFC South peers.

For starters, Ward will go through a learning curve. Moreover, his supporting cast leaves a bit to be desired, with Calvin Ridley being his only true weapon. When you add it all up, it may take him a bit of time, maybe a couple seasons, to truly hit his stride.

3. Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts

In an unexpected turn of events, Daniel Jones is trending toward starting for the Indianapolis Colts in 2025 or at least appears to have a leg up in the competition with Anthony Richardson.

Granted, Richardson's absence has given Jones the edge, but it looks like he's taking advantage of his opportunities. Heck, Danny Dimes could be a potential comeback candidate next season. Then again, the only reason he's one is because he came crashing down with the New York Giants.

The fact that Jones is on his third team in less than two seasons shows that things went sideways at one point in 2024. And while he's got an opportunity to showcase he's still the same player that was when the Giants drafted him with a first-round pick in 2019, he's got his work cut out to prove he can be a viable starting quarterback.

2. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

Is Trevor Lawrence a bust? Certainly not. Has he left a bit to be desired? You bet, but he'll have a prime opportunity to show he's the same quarterback that led the Jags to the playoffs and help them seize the division in 2022. That said, that was nearly three years ago, and the former Clemson Tiger hasn't been as productive the past two seasons.

Lawrence must prove in 2025 that he was held back by injuries and the team's lack of talent. If he does, he could claim the top spot in the AFC South.

1. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans

A couple years ago, C.J. Stroud took the league by storm. He suffered a sophomore slump but still managed to help the Houston Texans make the playoffs for the second straight season in 2024.

Like Lawrence, Stroud is expected to bounce back. The issue is that, unlike his Jaguars counterpart, he won't have a well-rounded supporting cast. The running game is a question mark with Joe Mixon currently recovering from a foot injury and Nick Chubb joining their backfield after a couple of injury-marred seasons.

Couple that with the underwhelming changes Houston made to the offensive line, and the former Ohio State Buckeye could be stuck in neutral.

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