The odds-on favorite to be selected first overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2021 NFL Draft, Trevor Lawrence is regarded by many as the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning. One of the most productive college players of all time, he completed over 66 percent of his passes for the Tigers. In addition to this, Lawrence eclipsed 10,000 yards through the air while tossing 90 touchdown passes. Known for his winning ability and leadership skills, he guided Clemson to a National Title in 2018 along with a second appearance in the big game in 2019.
Furthermore, the 21-year-old also captured First-Team All ACC honors during his final two college seasons while also being selected as a Heisman Trophy Finalist in 2020. Expected to help guide the Jaguars out of the basement of the AFC South, Lawrence is a truly generational talent and a proverbial franchise quarterback.
Make sure to check out all of our other 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Reports.
Player Bio
Name: Trevor Lawrence
Jersey: #16
Position: Quarterback
School: Clemson
Class: Junior
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 213 lbs
Accuracy (9.5/10)
As NFL ready as they come as a passer, Lawrence can consistently make throws all over the field. Displaying rare touch and accuracy on short and intermediate passing concepts, he can fit the ball into tight windows. Furthermore, he also possesses the arm strength and accuracy to drop deep balls into the bucket over the head of opposing defensive backs. Averaging nearly a 70 percent completion rate on throws between 11-19 yards during his tenure at Clemson, Lawrence can use both his arm strength and anticipation to beat defenders at the second level.
Arm Strength (9.5/10)
A rare arm talent, Lawrence has the velocity and arm strength to make any throw on the football field. Benefitting from a lightning-quick release, he can get the ball out of his hands quickly. In addition to this, he can also add extra velocity on the ball to beat the coverage of opposing defenders and give his receivers a chance to make a big play after the catch. An ideal fit in a vertical passing scheme at the next level, he will be able to push the ball down the field and challenge opposing defensive backs.
Mobility (8/10)
Underrated as a pure athlete, Lawrence can pull the ball down and beat opposing defenses with his feet. Operating a large chunk of read-option plays in Tony Elliot’s offense in college. He displayed powerful feet as a runner between the tackles while also possessing the agility and balance to make defenders miss in the open field. An asset during his time at Clemson, he averaged four yards per carry for the Tigers while rushing for over 800 yards and 18 touchdowns. Furthermore, Lawrence is also able to use his mobility to operate around the pocket while keeping his eyes down the field to let chunk plays develop.
Pocket Awareness (9/10)
Displaying calm feet, Lawrence can scan the field and go through his progressions if his primary read does not come open. Also, he can climb the pocket and wait on routes to develop while keeping his eyes downfield. Calm when the protection begins to break down around him, Lawrence will not force balls into coverage, leading to just 17 interceptions over his three-year college tenure. Strong at looking off the opposing safety while scanning the field, he can use all of the targets available at his disposal to deliver balls accurately and on time.
Decision Making (9.5/10)
Strong at throwing the ball into various windows, Lawrence will rarely force a ball into coverage. This lead to five interceptions or less in two of his three seasons with the Tigers. Rarely under-throwing his receivers, he can put the football only where his teammates can make a play. This allows him to avoid letting opposing defenders make a play on the football. Benefitting from an advanced football IQ, Lawrence can stand tall in the pocket and pick and pick apart opposing defensive units with both stellar accuracy and composure.
Progressions (8.5/10)
Despite playing in a prototypical college spread offense at Clemson, Lawrence is able to stand in the pocket and look through reads with confidence. With a strong pocket presence, he can get the ball out quickly or throw it away when the play breaks down. Decisive at looking off his first read and rolling through his other options, Lawrence will need to do this with increased efficiency snap in and snap out to reach his full potential at the NFL level.
Mechanics (9/10)
The beneficiary of excellent footwork, Lawrence has a smooth and quick release, making him one of the most effortless throwers of the football in recent memory. Routinely getting his feet set and transferring his weight throughout his throwing motion, Lawrence has a high release point at 6’6″, allowing the ball to not get batted down by opposing defensive linemen. Furthermore, he can remain accurate when on the move, allowing him to work off schedule and present a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators.
Anticipation (9.5/10)
Routinely throwing into tight windows with ease, Lawrence sees the field at an elite level. At his best on deep passing combinations, he can deliver the ball on time and accurately, allowing for yards after the catch. He also possesses both the anticipation and arm strength to make throws along the sidelines. Lastly, he repeatedly shined on both fade and back shoulder routes near the goal line for the Tigers, making him a deadly red zone threat.
Leadership (9.5/10)
Praised by his college teammates and coaching staff, Lawrence remains a leader both on and off the field. Instrumental in leading change during a time of social unrest during the offseason, he also remained a key part in making sure the 2020 college football season could be played. With a record of 34-2 during his three seasons with the Tigers, he left a long-lasting impact on the sport. As committed to his teammates and coaches as they come, he remains everything teams look for in their franchise leader.
Competitive Toughness (4.5/5)
As tough and competitive as they come, he is routinely willing to sacrifice his body to make plays down the field to win the game. Look no further than the Fiesta Bowl a year ago after Lawrence was hit in the head on a blitz by Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade. Visibly shaken up on the play, the 21-year-old returned to the game one play later and led the Tigers to a comeback 29-23 victory.
Injury (4/5)
Remarkably healthy over his three years at Clemson, Lawrence missed just two games over his college tenure after being diagnosed with Covid-19. However, it was revealed in the offseason that the presumed No. 1 overall pick would undergo shoulder surgery on February 13, following a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. Expected to start throwing again in 6-8 weeks, look for him to get the all-clear after 4-5 months of healing. This makes him an expected full participant in NFL training camps at the end of July.
Player Summary
Dubbed by many as the best quarterback prospect of the last 20 seasons, Lawrence was the No. 1 high school recruit in the nation before finding a home at Clemson. One of the most productive college players of all time, he offers a unique blend of accuracy, arm strength, mobility, and a strong football IQ. In addition to this, he has also been lauded for his leadership and toughness by his teammates and players all across the country. Offering the complete package for the modern-day NFL, he is a truly generational talent at the position, making him a lock to be the first overall selection come April.
Final Grade: (90.5/100): Top Three Pick
Player Comp: Andrew Luck
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