Trevor Lawrence secured as Jaguars lock up top pick in 2021 NFL Draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars locked up the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft on Sunday
The Jacksonville Jaguars embraced the tank and have been rewarded. Their loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday coupled with the New York Jets picking up their second consecutive win led to the Jaguars securing the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the prize of the 2021 NFL Draft class, will begin his professional career in Duval.
Lawrence is the best quarterback prospect to enter the league in a long time and once the door was opened for the Jaguars to bring him in, they did not mess around. On Sunday against the Bears, the Jags sat out arguably their best offensive player, rookie running back James Robinson, and went with Mike Glennon at quarterback instead of Gardner Minshew.
Losing this meaningless Week 16 game to secure their future at the most important position in the game was an easy tradeoff to make. Now, the Jaguars can move forward and look to build their roster around a guy who will quickly become one of the best young players in the entire league.
Two weeks ago, the Jets were in the driver’s seat for Trevor Lawrence and appeared to be well on their way toward the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, Sam Darnold and company came out ready to play the last two weeks and came away with back-to-back unexpected wins.
Now, the Jets will need to decide whether they will invest in one of the other top quarterbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft class or move forward with Darnold. BYU quarterback Zach Wilson or Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields would both be worthy targets at No. 2, but moving forward with Darnold and looking to trade down is certainly tempting. Either way, Trevor Lawrence is no longer an option for the Jets as he will undoubtedly go No. 1 to the Jaguars.
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This has undoubtedly been a tough season for the Jacksonville Jaguars and their fans, but it is all going to be worth it in the end. Adding Lawrence to the mix puts this team on the map and gives them legitimate Super Bowl upside if they can surround him with the right players and strong coaching staff.