For a franchise that’s been through what the Jacksonville Jaguars have and could use a popular figure within the football community, there is no doubt that Trevor Lawrence is probably the right choice for the franchise. However, he shouldn’t be viewed as the lone prospect who is a perfect fit for them.
Several prospects play non-quarterback positions who would also be ideal. Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth is a player that most fans would agree has a high chance to be a Jaguar. Not only is he perfect for them because he would fix a need, but he also has ties to the team with his former position coach Tyler Bowen on the staff. Notables like Joseph Ossai from Texas and Shaun Wade (a Jacksonville native) from Ohio State also feel like ideal prospects for the Jags for the same reason as Freiermuth; staff connections.
However, NFL.com’s Chad Reuter feels another prospect (in addition to Lawrence) is an ideal pick for the Jags. That player is Alabama offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood, who he believes could be Lawrence’s long-term protector on the blindside.
The Jaguars’ selection here has long been set. Head coach Urban Meyer knew he would be able to draft Lawrence when signing on for the job. The team’s second pick in the first round (acquired from the Rams in the Jalen Ramsey trade) would be wisely spent on enhancing the protection for Lawrence. Leatherwood is a steady, underappreciated pass protector and moves well in space in the run game. He could compete with franchise-tagged Cam Robinson for time at left tackle in 2021, and probably take over at that spot in the future.
With the uncertainty of Robinson’s future past the upcoming season, Reuter makes a good point, but with Robinson making over $13.7 million in terms of his salary, benching him seems unwise. However, the biggest problem with acquiring Leatherwood is that he would require the Jags to spend early pick (Round 1 or 2 selection) on him as stated. That’s a steep investment to make for a player who would have a high probability to sit on the bench this year. That would be a tough pill to swallow for a team that went 1-15 and has a head coach who wants to win immediately.
However, if by some chance Leatherwood, who has mostly Day 2 projections, falls to the third-round, the Jags should jump that opportunity. Unfortunately, the chances of that seem low according to draft boards, but strange things can happen on draft day.