Jaguars Run It Back in Sports Illustrated’s 2021 NFL Re-Draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars will always look back on the 2021 NFL Draft as franchise-changing.
It will always be the draft that brought the Jaguars Trevor Lawrence, with the Jaguars using their first-ever No. 1 overall pick on a franchise quarterback.
But Lawrence wasn't alone in what could be one of the best draft classes in franchise history down the road. Other impact players such as running back Travis Etienne, cornerback Tyson Campbell, offensive tackle Walker Little, and safety Andre Cisco all look like key building blocks.
Then you have some of the later picks. Tight end Luke Farrell is well-liked by the staff and looks to have plenty of potential entering Year 3, and outside linebacker Jordan Smith has a chance to make a name for himself in 2023.
All in all, the 2021 draft was a home run for the Jaguars and general manager Trent Baalke. If disgraced ex-coach Urban Meyer was a part of anything positive during his short tenure, it was this draft class.
As a result, that makes the Jaguars a fascinating case study in a re-draft scenario. Taking Lawrence at No. 1 overall again is a given, even in a historic class like the 2021 group. But what about at No. 25?
Sports Illustrated's Matt Verdame answered that exact question in a re-draft of the 2021 NFL class. And in this scenario, the Jaguars don't rock the boat and run it back with the combination of Lawrence and Etienne, two Clemson stars who have been sparkplugs for the Jaguars' offense.
"The Jaguars wouldn’t change anything. Lawrence struggled through his rookie year because Urban Meyer became the worst coach in NFL history, but now paired with Doug Pederson, he’s blossomed. Jacksonville has to be thrilled thinking about Lawrence under center for the next decade," Verdame said.
"Etienne missed his entire rookie season with a torn Achilles, but broke out last year to show why he was a first-round pick out of Clemson. The dynamic back rushed for 1,125 rushing yards on 5.1 yards per carry with five touchdowns. Etienne also has good hands, posting 35 receptions in 2022," Verdame said.
In 17 starts in 2022, Lawrence completed 387 of 584 passes for 4,113 yards and 25 TDs. His 387 completions were the most in a single season in franchise history and his five rushing TDs were tied with Garrard for the most in single-season franchise history.
Lawrence joined Bengals QB Joe Burrow and Bills QB Josh Allen as the only players in the NFL with 25-plus passing TDs and at least five rushing TDs. Against the Titans in Week 14, Lawrence set a career-high with 368 yards passing and was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.
The second-year quarterback totaled four 300-yard passing games and orchestrated three comebacks of 17-plus points, including a comeback from behind 27-0 in the postseason against the Chargers.
