Is Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence Destined for Greatness?
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence arrives in Jacksonville already wanting like a Hollywood creation. The previous Clemson University star, is now inviting comparisons to NFL greats that time to a Tremendous Bowl future.
Who Trevor Lawrence Might Be In comparison with if Issues Go Proper
Coronary heart: KURT WARNER
Tremendous Bowl title and MVP St. Louis Rams (2000)
Lawrence and retired QB Kurt Warner are each open concerning the significance of their Christian religion. Each entered the league as married males—Lawrence wed his highschool girlfriend this yr. Warner was an obscure faculty QB and, like Lawrence, typically credit his success to deep non secular conviction.
Legs: PATRICK MAHOMES
Tremendous Bowl title and MVP Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (2020)
Over his Clemson profession, Lawrence legged out 943 yards, averaging 314 a season. Mahomes ran for 308 yards in 2020. Though Lawrence didn’t run a 40-yard sprint at his NFL professional day, he was clocked at 4.78 popping out of highschool, across the similar time Mahomes posted a 4.8 within the 40 on the 2017 NFL Scouting Mix.
Charisma: JOE NAMATH
Tremendous Bowl title and MVP New York Jets (1969)
Like Broadway Joe, chooseed No. 1 total within the AFL draft of 1965, Lawrence has a uncommon mixture of athleticism, arm power, intercourse enchantment and Southern pedigree. (Namath led Alabama to a nationwide title in 1964.) Neither shies away from daring opinions. Each are famend for possessing generationally great hair.
HEIGHT: JOE FLACCO
Tremendous Bowl title and MVP Baltimore Ravens (2013)
At 6’6”, Lawrence stands above most NFL QBs, just about all of whom are between 6’2” and 6’5”—critically, examine. The exceptions—Drew Brees, Russell Wilson—are typically shorter. The very best Lawrence Tremendous comp is Flacco, additionally 6’6”. Ditto 2020 Rookie of the 12 months Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert.
X-Issue: “SUNSHINE”
Lawrence’s “Sunshine” moniker remembers ‘70s highschool QB Ronnie “Sunshine” Bass, performed by Kip Pardue in Remember the Titans. Like Pardue’s efficiency, Lawrence’s preternatural soccer instincts and cool-breeze demeanor make him an ideal teammate—empathetic, laid-back, supportive—who can float above the drama that infects each locker room.
Why the Season May Not Go Properly for Trevor Lawrence
1. The Meyer Issue
In fact, on the subject of a No. 1 draft choose, there’s no such factor as a certain factor. A QB’s destiny will depend on his head coach. Jacksonville’s is a rookie.
“A very good soccer coach wants a affected person spouse, a loyal canine and an important quarterback—however not essentially in that order,” declared Hall of Fame coach Bud Grant. It really works each methods. Nice QBs invariably have a Canton-caliber coach. In Jacksonville, Lawrence might be enjoying for City Meyer, who’s by no means been an NFL head coach. Meyer is a university teaching legend, however which means zilch on the professional stage.
Will he play Jimmy Johnson to Lawrence’s Troy Aikman? Johnson turned the primary coach to win a university title after which a Super Bowl with the Aikman-led Dallas Cowboys in 1993. Or will his professional tenure resemble Nick Saban’s? Most likely the best faculty coach of all time, Saban left the NFL after two drab seasons in Miami, posting a 15–17 report with zero playoff appearances.
2. Sack Assault
Nothing blows up a can’t-miss profession quicker than a gradual weight loss program of turf.
Wunderkind Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck was so broken by sacks (lacerated kidney, anybody?) he retired at 29. If the Jags don’t get higher at move safety, and quick, coping with London jet lag would be the least of Lawrence’s worries.
44: The variety of sacks endured by Jacksonville QBs in 2020.
43: The variety of sacks taken by all Tiger QBs over Lawrence’s three years at Clemson
3. Picked Aside
Lawrence’s passing in three years at Clemson was unbelievable: 90 touchdowns, simply 17 interceptions. However contemplating Clemson’s expertise and lots of of its opponents’ lack of it—yo, Citadel!—you’d like that second determine to be smaller. It equals the mixed whole by Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones (three QBs chosen behind Lawrence on this yr’s draft) throughout their whole faculty careers. NFL defenses have introduced down a military of faculty legends.
“THERE’S SOMETHING OF AN ART TO IT, BUT ALL ATTEMPTS AT SCIENCE HAVE FAILED.” — Tremendous Bowl-winning coach Brian Billick on evaluating quarterbacks
4. Booby Entice
The Jags franchise places Lawrence in a deadly place—London.
From 2013 to 2019, Jacksonville performed a collection of “home games” in London, an association that may proceed in 2021. The U.Ok. is a superb place for a pint, however a depraved weekend getaway. For the Jags, enjoying “at house” within the British capital requires a virtually 5,000-mile flight with a five-hour time change. It’s a novel problem, which can clarify why the Jags are 3–4 of their London house.
A fair greater challenge would come up if, as has been speculated, group proprietor Shahid Khan—who additionally owns Premier League group Fulham F.C. and has explored shopping for London’s Wembley Stadium—relocates the Jags abroad. COVID halted most abroad journey, however it didn’t finish the NFL’s dream of getting a money cow franchise in London. Ought to the Jags need a straightforward strategy to mess with Lawrence’s profession, a bunch of transatlantic flights every season could be a great way to begin.
5. Mind Belief?
When drafting QBs, NFL GMs are good…13.5% of the time.
- 37: Variety of QBs chosen No. 1 total in NFL/AFL drafts
- 7: Variety of beginning QBs who’ve gained a Tremendous Bowl title
- 5: Variety of QBs who gained an MVP award
- 5: Variety of QBs who reached the Corridor of Fame: Joe Namath, Terry Bradshaw, John Elway, Troy Aikman, Peyton Manning
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