In the latest 2025 quarterback rankings, what did some coaches and GMs have to say about the Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence?
The Athletic’s Mike Sando put together his annual quarterback tiers and rankings for the quarterback position, including the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence.
To help cultivate these tiers, Sando spoke with 50 NFL coaches and executives to get their opinions on each player.
Lawrence would find himself in Tier 3 and 18th overall–down two spots from the 2024 rankings. But what did some of the coaches that Sando spoke to have to say about Lawrence’s play?
“I always thought Lawrence was a unique talent from a body-type standpoint — so athletic for a guy that tall — and the way he played at Clemson was outstanding,” one head coach told Sando. “But when I watched him this year (2024), the instinct wasn’t as high there. He looked hesitant. He had some ugly tape.”
An obvious priority this offseason for the Jaguars was building around Lawrence to ensure there is balance.
This started when the team hired Liam Coen, who brings a Sean McVay-esque offensive scheme to Jacksonville. This system is built on multiplicity and throwing a variety of looks at defenses, which can help open up opportunities for the quarterback to exploit.
Around the NFL, numerous quarterbacks and offenses have found success in similar schemes.
Roster-wise, GM James Gladstone would reshape the offensive line by making six additions between free agency and the NFL draft. He also brought in more speed and playmaking potential by signing Dyami Brown, along with drafting Travis Hunter and Bhayshul Tuten.
All of this should help take of the playmaking burden off Lawrence and provide some balance to the offense.
“He has missed a bunch of schemed-up shots (downfield),” a coach said to Sando. “There is nothing that scares you about the kid. How is he beating you unless he happens to hit on some of those deep ones? I don’t know how much of that is scheme versus what he does and cannot do. There is nothing elite about him from a big-picture standpoint.”
At the end of the day, it’s only one series in one preseason game, but Lawrence put together a strong showing in the Jaguars’ opener against Pittsburgh.
He finished that possession completing 6-of-7 passes while leading a 12-play drive into field goal range. But beyond the stats, in what is a challenging system to learn and one that has a robust playbook, Lawrence looked comfortable and confident operating the offense.
He was throwing in rhythm, attacking the middle of the field, and took what the defense gave him.
“He hasn’t proved that he can take the team up a level or make the team play better than they are,” a former GM said to Sando. “I definitely think Liam Coen can help him if he is able to be helped.”
