JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 27: The flag of the Jacksonville Jaguars after a score against the Baltimore Ravens at TIAA Bank Field on November 27, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Trevor Lawrence career in review: Has the former first overall pick met expectations?
In the 2021 NFL Draft, there was no question who the Jacksonville Jaguars would select with the first overall pick. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence entered the University of Clemson as a five-star recruit, and three years later, he declared for the draft with an undefeated regular-season record, a National Championship ring, and the unanimous consensus that he was the next Peyton Manning.
Although there were whispers in the air that BYU’s Zach Wilson could take priority, the Jaguars didn’t think twice, knowing that Lawrence was their guy.
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During his rookie season, Lawrence didn’t produce earth-shattering numbers. The quarterback threw for 3,641 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. Jacksonville’s improvement was not as immediate as anticipated, as the team went 3-14 and finished last in the league.
The following year, Lawrence made the jump that all of Northern Florida had hoped for. The quarterback was recognized as a Pro Bowl alternate for a season consisting of 4,113 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. The Jaguars had a substantially better year, clinching the AFC South with a 9-8 record and coming back from a 27-0 deficit to beat the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
In 2023, all signs pointed to the Jaguars making another playoff run. The team maintained a clear divisional lead, and by Week 12, Jacksonville was sitting pretty with an 8-3 record. From there, the season took a turn as an overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals was the beginning of a 1-5 end to the season.
As the losses stacked up for the Jaguars, so did the injuries. Lawrence had a tough few weeks, battling a series of injuries including a concussion, a high ankle sprain, and a shoulder injury. In the collapse of the Jaguars, ball security was a problem for the quarterback; he had six fumbles in the last five games. And in his final four outings, the quarterback threw seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. Lawrence finished the season with 4,016 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and 12 fumbles.
Despite finishing the season on a lower note, the Jaguars stand behind their franchise quarterback. Two priorities this offseason are bolstering the offensive line and adding additional targets; both are moves to help the young quarterback.
