Jags ranked No. 31 in ESPN’s early 2021 power rankings
With the Super Bowl over, the Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock with the first pick of April’s draft. They almost certainly will select Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who should help the Jags register a better record than they did in 2020 alone if he’s the prospect most think.
However, despite Lawrence’s probable addition, many analysts aren’t ready to say the Jags will be significantly better in 2021. Additionally, it remains to be seen what upgrades they will make in free agency and the draft, which will help a lot in terms of a record prediction.
Until then, fans will have to make do with way-too-early predictions like ESPN’s post-Super Bowl LV power rankings, which came out Sunday. Unsurprisingly, the Jags came in near the bottom and were slotted 31st with only the Houston Texans behind them.
With such a low ranking, Jags beat writer Michael DiRocco explained the rebuild process that is coming up in 2021 under a new head coach in Urban Meyer. DiRocco also brought up the key factor that could help Meyer and the Jags rebound, and that is the addition of Lawrence, who many see as a franchise savior.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars
2020 record: 1-15
Offseason in three or fewer words: Starting over again
Owner Shad Khan hired Urban Meyer to reevaluate and revamp the organization that has lost 10 or more games in nine of the past 10 seasons. Changing the culture is the biggest task. Meyer is stocking his coaching and support staff with people he has worked with before on the collegiate level and who are familiar with his ideas and approach. But the most important thing is finding the QB, and the Jaguars are expected to draft Trevor Lawrence. That, as much as anything that Meyer does, has the potential to change the direction of the franchise.
With the Jags organization needing a complete overhaul, owner Shad Khan swung for the fences and signed Meyer, who is one of the most successful coaches in college football history. Not only is he known for success on the field, but he’s also proven to be a great manager, which is something the Jags also need.
Only time will tell if Meyer, his staff, and Lawrence can will the Jags out of the NFL’s basement. Between their draft assets and available cap space, the tools are certainly there to see relatively fast results, but it will be a matter of being smart along the way unlike the team’s previous leadership.
