Jacksonville Jaguars Should Consider Familiarity To Help Trevor Lawrence
The Jacksonville Jaguars have to build around Trevor Lawrence this offseason, and a certain prospect may help him in year two.
It’s an important offseason for the Jacksonville Jaguars. They made a fine move in hiring Doug Pederson as their new head coach, an offensive mind who should help get the best out of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. But, to see that growth in year two, the offense has to be upgraded everywhere.
The offensive line needs work, especially if Cam Robinson doesn’t return. Should they bring back A.J. Cann? Even if they do, getting someone like Evan Neal, Charles Cross, or Ikem Ekwonu is of great importance. The Jaguars also need to find pass catchers in the 2022 NFL Draft, most notably players who can win down the field, separate underneath, and build quick chemistry and trust with Lawrence.
Taking a similar route that the Bengals did with Joe Burrow makes all the sense in the world. Burrow struggled with confidence in the deep ball as a rookie. So what did the Bengals do? They got Ja’Marr Chase in the first round, who built outstanding chemistry with Burrow at LSU. The Burrow-Chase connection was a massive one that got them to the doorstep of a title.
The Jacksonville Jaguars can do this, without sacrificing early picks to help the offensive line. One of Lawrence’s teammates, Justyn Ross, is available in the 2022 NFL Draft. Now, Ross isn’t without some concerns, mostly surrounding his health. If his neck and everything checks out at the combine, the upside is tremendous.
Ross has a massive catch radius, incredible body control, and is a ball-winner at the catch point. He displayed the ability to win vertically at Clemson, and has the vines to succeed with good technique against press coverage. He’s also more elusive after the catch for a bigger receiver than many anticipate.
Ross would give Lawrence the confidence to unleash the ball deep down the field, and the ball skills at the catch point will give Lawrence some room for error there. What’s important is that there’s trust there from that connection, and trust is often overlooked in terms of quarterback and receiver play.
If the Jacksonville Jaguars have a chance to get Justyn Ross on day two of the 2022 NFL Draft, they should pounce at the opportunity. It not only gives the Jaguars a true weapon on offense, but is a move that helps the development of your quarterback. Every system should be quarterback-friendly, and the addition of Ross will boost that a little more.