Case File No. 36: Trevor Lawrence

 

Trevor Lawrence. Photo Credit: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images.

Today, I open the case file of Trevor Lawrence, who recently became the highest paid player in the NFL. Despite the numbers, he has had an okay start to his career. There has been talk of him being a bust. I'll give my take on that later.

Team: Jacksonville Jaguars 

Position: Quarterback 

HT: 6-6 WT: 220

Credentials:

Pro Bowl (2022)

CFP Champion (2018)

2x First-team All-ACC 

Strengths:

-Resilient 

-Good poise in the pocket 

-Quick release 

-Makes tough throws 

-Very good arm strength 

-Can make plays with his feet 

Weaknesses:

-Turnover prone 

-Will force some throws 

-Doesn't always protect the ball 

-A bit inconsistent 

Final Analysis:

Trevor has the size (6-6, 220) that most coaches covet. Not prone to injury, but if injured, will usually play through it. I think his pocket presence is pretty good. He goes through his progressions and gets the ball out of his hands quickly.

He's very good at making tough throws, fitting balls into tight windows, completing passes in awkward positions. Has very good arm strength, with nice placement on his deep throws. Can make plays from the pocket as well as with his legs.

His biggest issue is the turnovers. He will force throws at times, and I think that's part of what leads to the interceptions, but he also doesn't always protect the ball the way he needs to, which leads to strip sacks.

Despite having pretty good numbers overall, Trevor has had an okay start to his career. He guided the Jaguars to their first playoff win since 2018 in comeback fashion, but regressed a little last season.

He has been hot and cold so far; the aforementioned comeback playoff victory is another example of that. He threw three interceptions in the first half, which was part of how the Los Angeles Chargers took an early lead, but bounced back in the second half to guide the Jaguars to a seemingly improbable victory.

There's a lot to like about Lawrence's game, he just needs to be more consistent and smarter with the ball. Right now, I think he's overhyped, but I don't think he's a bust. However, I think he has the upside to live up to the first overall pick status.