Trevor Lawrence, the quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has seen a significant drop in rankings in The Athletic’s 2024 NFL Quarterback Tiers. He now sits at No. 16 in Tier 3, falling seven spots from the previous year. This drop is the largest for any player in Tiers history, which has raised concerns among some analysts and voters.
One of the main reasons for Lawrence’s drop in rankings is the wide gap between his salary ranking (tied for first) and his Tiers ranking (15th). This disparity suggests that while Lawrence may be earning top dollar, his on-field performance does not match up to the expectations set by his salary. This discrepancy has raised questions about whether Lawrence can bridge the gap and live up to his potential as a top-tier quarterback.
Some voters have drawn parallels between Lawrence and other talented passers like Justin Herbert. Both Lawrence and Herbert possess incredible talent and have understated personalities. However, some voters feel that Lawrence lacks the same level of confidence, poise, or command that players like Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes exhibit. This perceived absence of a certain “cockiness” may contribute to doubts about Lawrence’s ability to lead a team to success.
It’s important to consider the context of Lawrence’s performance last season. The Jaguars had a promising start with an 8-3 record before Lawrence suffered a series of injuries, including a shoulder, knee, and ankle. These injuries likely impacted his performance and may have contributed to the temporary dip in his rankings. Some analysts argue that voters may be reading too much into this one down year and that Lawrence’s potential shouldn’t be overlooked.
Despite the drop in rankings, there are still those who believe in Lawrence’s talent and potential. An assistant general manager praised Lawrence’s mobility, strong arm, and good size, acknowledging that he has a few areas where improvement is needed. This optimism suggests that Lawrence has the potential to trend upward and potentially reach Tier 2 in the future.
It’s worth noting that Lawrence’s ranking is just one aspect of his overall evaluation as a quarterback. Rankings can be subjective and may not always capture the full picture of a player’s abilities and potential. Lawrence’s performance on the field, his growth and development, and the support he receives from his team will ultimately determine his success in the NFL.
To see where other quarterbacks rank in The Athletic’s 2024 NFL Quarterback Tiers, continue reading below.