The Jacksonville Jaguars have one of the league’s youngest rosters, and if their young players take a step next season, they should be able to look significantly better than they did in 2022.
Of course, the biggest key will be the strides that Trevor Lawrence makes, who was taken first overall by the Jags last April and considered a generational talent by some. And while he didn’t have a great year, he showcased why many were high on him in college at times by making several highlight plays on the season.
For that reason, Pro Football Focus’ Anthony Treash declared the former Clemson star as his breakout candidate for the Jags, though he did acknowledge that the situation around him would be a key variable.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: QB TREVOR LAWRENCE
2021 PFF Grade: 59.6
The 2021 No. 1 overall pick may not have had a banner rookie campaign in an awful situation, but he flashed everything that once made him a generational quarterback prospect. His pocket presence and playmaking under duress was advanced for his age. Lawrence ended his first year with the lowest pressure-to-sack rate among rookies and the third-most big-time throws under pressure (12). He also showed the ability to manipulate defenders to open up throwing lanes:
Situation will be key in a breakout for Lawrence, but it’s hard imagining him not taking a big step forward in 2022.
It’s worth noting that Lawrence lost many of his top skill weapons to season-ending injuries, including running back James Robinson, receiver DJ Chark, and tight end Dan Arnold, who tried to make a return Week 18. He also lost fellow first-round pick Travis Etienne in the preseason, who was drafted on the same day as him and was going to be a speed threat for the team.
Of course, Lawrence also had his moments where he made rookie mistakes as well. It probably didn’t help that Urban Meyer was unprepared for the NFL and didn’t exactly start trying to make Lawrence more comfortable until late in the season. However, with a better staff, the arrow would be pointing up for Lawrence as PFF predicts.