Since stepping onto Clemson's campus as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2018 recruiting cycle, Lawrence has been the presumptive top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite all of the losing in Duval County over the past 10-15 years, this marks the first time in franchise history that the Jags own the rights to the top pick in the draft.
While nobody is a perfect prospect, Lawrence checks all of the boxes with elite arm talent, mobility and leadership. The Urban Meyer era begins with the best QB prospect since Andrew Luckand a treasure trove of draft capital -- nine picks in the first five rounds (top 170).
Before his back surgery, Farley was in the mix to be the draft's CB1 and a top-10 pick. Back injuries are always tricky, but Farley is expected to be ready for the start of training camp. Given the rebuild going on in Duval County, the Jaguars can be patient with Farley as they are in no position to contend this year. Farley has an ideal combination of size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds), athleticism (sub-4.4 forty) and ball skills (six INTs in two seasons).
Literally heads and shoulders above the rest of an exceptional quarterback class, Lawrence has all of the traits to transform Jacksonville into a contender. Perhaps best of all, he is an ideal fit in Urban Meyer's scheme.
Considering they finished 1-16 last season, the Jaguars are surprisingly talented with just two positions of major concern -- QB and TE -- following a spending spree in free agency. Urban Meyer might appreciate the impact Freiermuth made in the Big Ten more than most, and the drop-off in talent at tight end is significant enough to warrant what some would perceive as a slight reach.
With 10 picks, including the first one of the second round, I can absolutely see the Jags trading up a few spots and getting their (second) guy of the draft. Meyer wants to establish the line of scrimmage, so I can see him adding to the defensive line here where there's value in the late-first in taking a defensive tackle like Barmore, who absolutely turned it on in the College Football Playoff.
Lawrence being selected first overall was inevitable. He's one of the most talented quarterbacks to enter the NFL in years. He'll be the centerpiece for new coach Urban Meyer's rebuilding effort.
Moehrig is the best safety in the draft and would upgrade the position for Jacksonville. Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore is another candidate here, as the team mulls a change to a 3-4 defense.
In most years, there is a level of intrigue up until draft day regarding the No. 1 pick. This isn't most years -- Lawrence is the pick.
25. Elijah Moore, WR, Mississippi
Wide receiver isn't a screaming need for the Jaguars, but new coach Urban Meyer covets speed. Moore (and his 4.35 40-yard dash and 6.67 3-cone) checks that box. If Lawrence and Moore reach their full potential, Jacksonville will be talking about this first-round haul for a long time.
He skipped the NFL scouting combine medical recheck in Indianapolis for his surgically repaired shoulder to get married. Solid excuse. It also tells us that Lawrence knows for sure he's going first overall.
When the Jaguars lost out on Tyson Alualu, it left a void up front. It's clear they want to add size and athleticism. The redshirt sophomore isn't ready for prime time yet but has disruptive traits and the highest ceiling of what looks like a lean year for DTs.
With a depleted roster and in the beginning stages of a rebuild, new Jaguars coach Urban Meyer and general manager Trent Baalke have a chance to start fresh, take one of my highest-graded quarterbacks ever and build around him. The Jaguars have three more picks in the top 45 -- at Nos. 25, 33 and 45 -- to plug other holes, and they need to hit on those. Lawrence is a no-brainer as the top signal-caller in this class.
I'll stick with Moehrig to the Jaguars here as a free safety complement to free-agent signing Rayshawn Jenkins. I thought about a pass-catcher, but the Jaguars could find an impact player in Round 2 (they pick at Nos. 33 and 45). Offensive line could be another position to target, but they shouldn't reach. Moehrig, who had 19 pass breakups over the last two seasons and won the Thorpe Award as the country's best defensive back in 2020, isn't likely to be on the board in Round 2. He's my top-ranked safety.
This one has been the books since the Jets beat the Rams in Los Angeles last December. I don't think Urban Meyer leaves the FOX Sports studios if Trevor Lawrence isn't available for Jacksonville at No. 1.
Urban Meyer knows how critical the pass rush is to building a champion. The Jags finished last season with the second-fewest sacks (18) in the NFL. Oweh is a one-year starter, but ran an absurd 4.36 40-yard dash at his pro day, can pressure the QB and can be an immediate contributor to a defense that can use one.