The Good

Like many rookies coming into the NFL, Trevor Lawrence struggled through his first year. The former #1 pick from Clemson was tied for the lead league in interceptions during his debut season in Jacksonville with 17. While the interceptions were troubling Lawrence showed the ability to quickly move on from his mistakes and move to the next play. This trait is especially important for young quarterbacks as they continue their development.

Flash forward to the 2023 playoffs can you can see tremendous growth from Lawrence. He was able to rally his team from a 27-point deficit to the Chargers despite 4 first-half interceptions. Lawrence has always had the physical traits of an elite quarterback but this type of mental fortitude bodes well for his future.

The Bad

If you’re looking for a weakness on this Jaguars team, it’s the offensive line. With the suspension of LT Cam Robinson for PED use, Jacksonville will be thin on o-line for the first 4 games. It looks like they will also start rookie RT Anton Harrison who they drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. RG Brandon Scherff is really the only player upfront with no question marks. In order for the Jaguars to be successful they will need to protect Lawrence. Whether they can do so remains to be seen.

The Prediction

Despite the concerns on the offensive line, I still see the Jaguars winning the AFC South. The talent on offense along with the emergence of Trevor Lawrence will push the Jaguars to one of the best teams in the AFC. If Calvin Ridley can return to his old form the Jaguars will be even that much more dangerous.

2023 Record: 12-5 (1st in the Division)

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By: Jake Rajala

The Jacksonville Jaguars broke away from the dark side with Urban Meyer and bolted to the light with Doug Pederson. I believe there’s a lot of reason for optimism with the Jags new HC-QB combination. In fact, I’m going to untwine three reasons why the Jags could surprise the football world and even make the playoffs next season.

Non-WR receiving weapons

The Jags will showcase Marvin Jones Jr and two new WRs: Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. T-Lawrence quietly has an impressive WR trio. Although, I also LOVE the receiving talent from the RB and TE positions. The former Eagles HC will be constantly dreaming up ways to get Travis Etienne and Evan Engram involved. Per CBS Sports, the dual-threat RB will be used in a “Deebo Samuel-like role”. Outside of the Jags second-year QB being a fantasy sleeper with his wide array of weapons, I also project he will have a fairly clean season in 2022 with excellent security blankets at RB and TE.

Travon Walker

The Jags first overall pick Travon Walker is certainly tired of hearing how Aidan Hutchinson is a favorite to win DROY. Walker may appear to have slightly less NFL-ready skills, but the freak athlete can surely grow as the season evolves. Walker has similar power as Khalil Mack and he can absolutely ruin opponents by himself. Chandler Jones The former Georgia Bulldog may be the next nightmare for Titans LT Taylor Lewan.

The Titans (who lost a couple of offensive pieces this off-season) have beaten the Jaguars in each of the past five games.

Pass protection

The Jags didn’t need to draft a tackle first overall to prove their love for T-Lawrence. They nicely brought back Cam Robinson on a three-year contract worth $54. Furthermore, they inked the elite guard Brandon Scherff to a three-year, $49.5 million dollar deal. The 2021 second-round pick Walker Little may also start over Jawann Taylor at RT and be an underrated long-term starter.

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