One of the wilder scenarios for the Atlanta Falcons in the upcoming draft would be to trade up for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The Clemson star is arguably the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck came out of Stanford in 2012.
QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson University
6-foot-6, 220 pounds
Stats and Awards
2020: 10 Games Played, 231-of-334 (69.2 percent), 3,153 Yards, 24 Touchdowns, 5 Interceptions, 68 Carries, 208 Yards, 8 Touchdowns, 1 Catch, 8 Yards, Heisman Trophy Runner-up, Third team All-America, ACC Player of the Year, First team All-ACC, ACC Champion
2019: 15 Games Played, 268-of-407 (65.8 percent), 3,665 Yards, 36 Touchdowns, 8 Interceptions, 103 Carries, 563 Yards, 9 Touchdowns, 1 Catch, 0 Yards, 1 Tackle, First team All-ACC, ACC Champion
2018: 15 Games Played, 259-of-397 (65.2 percent), 3,280 Yards, 30 Touchdowns, 4 Interceptions, 60 Carries, 177 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 1 Catch, -12 Yards, 2 Tackles, ACC Rookie of the Year, Second team All-ACC, ACC Champion, National Championship game MVP, National Champion
Highlights: Lawrence vs. Notre Dame – 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX1-8YFF3-c
Scouting Report
Strengths
When it comes to traits that make up a great NFL quarterback, arm strength and mobility are near the top of the list. Lawrence has both of those in spades. He can make the any throw on the field accurately and with enough room for the receiver to get yards after the catch. He even knows when to take a little off of his throws and use touch.
When it comes to the finer points of quarterbacking, Lawrence has the decision making of a 10-year pro already. He understands how to get through his reads and when to take chances. Other things you notice when evaluating Lawrence are his poise, pocket presence and mechanics. He has great feel for when his pocket is clean and knows when to take off down the field. He has great mechanics in the pocket or on the run with a consistent release point that contributes to his accuracy.
Weaknesses
As for Lawrence’s weaknesses, it’s tough to find any without really nitpicking. He has a slightly smaller build than you would prefer for a guy that’s 6-foot-6. Sometimes, he’ll make throws that are a bit more risky than a team would want to see. Occasionally, Lawrence will stick to who he thought the play should go to on his pre-snap read and not realize that he needs to go somewhere else with the ball quick enough. But again, that’s nitpicking.
Overview
NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Andrew Luck
Lawrence is the ideal quarterback to build a team around. He has a freakishly high ceiling and has the high level athleticism of Andrew Luck with the same kind of football intelligence. His arm is a bit stronger, though. He’s the guy you build a championship team around and can really create some great moments with during his likely 18-to-19 year career.
How Lawrence would fit into the Falcons’ plans
If the Falcons want to draft Lawrence, they’re going to have to give up a ton of picks to the Jaguars. Lawrence would likely also force them to trade Matt Ryan before the season and after June 1, so that they can recoup some of the picks they’ll lose in the future from trading up for Lawrence.
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