We are heading into the final few weeks of the 2020 NFL season and those who have no chance of reaching the postseason will already be thinking about how they can improve in 2021.
The NFL Draft in April is a big opportunity for all 32 teams to add to their rosters the best college players in the sport. Those at the front end of the board next year are likely to be considering making quarterback Trevor Lawrence their number one pick.
Lawrence has had a fantastic past couple of years for the Clemson Tigers. He led his team to an undefeated season in 2018 before lifting the title at the end of the National Championship Game in 2019. Last year his side went unbeaten again, but were beaten by Joe Burrow’s LSU in the National Championship Game.
After eight matches in 2020, the Tigers QB has thrown 20 touchdowns, three interceptions, and 2,431 passing yards this year. If he guides Clemson to the playoffs, it will be the sixth straight year the college team have made it to the postseason.
Unfortunately for Lawrence, it does not look like he will be in contention for the Heisman Trophy this year. Alabama’s Mac Jones and Florida’s Kyle Trask are the frontrunners for that award. His record as a starting quarterback speaks volumes about his talent, as in his three years with the Tigers, he has lost just one game.
Jets in Pole Position to Land the Clemson QB
If the season ended today, it would be the New York Jets who would have the first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Jets drafted Sam Darnold with the third overall pick in 2018. They will have to decide if the former USC QB is their future or if they want to change direction with Lawrence.
The projected first overall pick in 2021 would be entering a team in New York who are in serious need of repair. They are 0-12 after losing to the Oakland Raiders in their most recent game this season. In the NFL odds on bet365, at the time of writing, they were +525 to get their first victory of the campaign over the Seattle Seahawks in week 14. Failure to win that game, and they then have ties against the LA Rams, Cleveland Browns, and New England Patriots to try to avoid going 0-16.
The Jets, or whoever does draft Lawrence next year, will be hoping the young quarterback can have the impact on their team like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Kyler Murray have all had. Those three players wasted no time lighting up the NFL and have helped transform their respective franchises.
Although he would come to the NFL with a big reputation, something which carries a lot of pressure, Lawrence does not lack any confidence. He looks made for the league and it is going to be very exciting to see him in 2021, and one thing is for sure, whoever does draft him, won’t wait around to play the youngster.
