It wasn’t long ago that Trevor Lawrence was considered the NFL’s next elite quarterback. Now, just four years into his career, the former No. 1 overall pick and former Clemson Tiger is finding himself in unfamiliar territory — as an underdog.
According to CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin, Lawrence enters the 2025 NFL season ranked as the 18th-best quarterback in the league, placing him just barely inside the top 20 and behind names like Geno Smith — the newly minted starter in Las Vegas.
“He might offer the position's biggest disparity between talent and reliable results,” Benjamin wrote. “The physical package is there. He’s just too often lacked the durability, ball control and/or team support to produce meaningful wins.”
Lawrence’s 2024 campaign was derailed by injuries, limiting him to just 10 games. It was the most challenging season of his pro career, and the Jaguars as a whole struggled, finishing 4-13 and failing to gain traction in a crowded AFC South.
But the organization hit reset this offseason — new head coach Liam Coen, new general manager James Gladstone, and a clear vision to rebuild the franchise around Lawrence.
And they didn’t waste time surrounding him with better talent. The Jaguars drafted two dynamic playmakers in Travis Hunter — the two-way phenom from Colorado — and LSU’s explosive wideout Brian Thomas Jr., giving Lawrence the most electric receiver room of his career.
While some are quick to label Lawrence a disappointment, the 25-year-old has shown plenty of flashes that justify his No. 1 pick status. In 2022, he led Jacksonville to the playoffs and orchestrated one of the greatest comebacks in postseason history. His accuracy, arm strength, and mobility remain elite — when healthy.
Injuries, a revolving door of offensive coordinators, and a lack of top-tier weapons have hampered his consistency. But those excuses may no longer apply in 2025. With Hunter and Thomas, a healthy Lawrence finally has the arsenal to elevate his game.
Ranking Lawrence at 18 might make sense if you’re weighing only last year. But with a clean bill of health, a vastly upgraded receiving corps, and a head coach committed to tailoring the offense to his strengths, the stage is set for a redemption arc.
If Trevor Lawrence plays a full season in 2025, don’t be surprised when he climbs back into the top 10 or higher by year’s end.
And this time, it won’t just be about potential. It’ll be about production.
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