The Jacksonville Jaguars are enduring perhaps their worst season in franchise history. But it could lead to an era of greatness. Whether it is referred to “Tank for Trevor” or “Lose for Lawrence,” Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence is essentially unanimously regarding as the best player in the upcoming NFL draft. Lawrence is widely considered to be the best prospect since Andrew Luck and he could be under center for the Jaguars next fall. With two weeks left in the season, the Jaguars, who have one win on the season, will play the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts to close out the 2020 season. The New York Jets, who just secured their first win of the season, will play the Cleveland Browns and the New England Patriots. The future of Jacksonville’s franchise could drastically change for the better if they secure the 2021 NFL Draft number one pick.
2021 NFL Draft Number One Pick in Jacksonville Jaguars Grasp
New General Manager and Probably Coaching Staff Needed
The Jaguars have had a season for the history books so far, just not in a positive way. At 1-13, the team has lost 13 straight games and it appears as if they are on their way to a 1-15 season; the first in franchise history. Jags owner Shad Khan fired the general manager, Dave Caldwell on November 29th after the team lost its 10th straight game. In his seven year tenure, Caldwell was 39-86. The team only went to the playoffs once under Caldwell (2017).
Though Doug Marrone hasn’t been fired yet, he will likely also be let go once the season is over. This year is Marrone’s third full season as head coach, but he has been with the team since 2015. Regardless if they get the 2021 NFL Draft number one pick, the Jags have a lot of internal work to do between now and April. They need to find a new general manager and probably a new head coach, and coaching staff as well. Generational quarterback or not, another bad front office and coaching staff will cause Jacksonville to remain a basement dweller for years to come. Khan needs to get the general manager and head coaching picks right. But securing the 2021 NFL Draft number one pick would drastically help the new general manager and coaching staff.
Jaguars Final two Opponents
The Jaguars have two games remaining in the 2020 season. They play the Bears next week at home and then go to Lucas Oil Stadium to play the Colts.
The Bears represent Jacksonville’s better opportunity for a win. Luckily, for Jags fans, better opportunity does not mean a good chance. The Bears are 7-7 and are still in contention to make the playoffs. Mitchell Trubisky has been OK in his return to the lineup, David Montgomery had a career day on Sunday, and Allen Robinson is a really talented receiver. Any team can win on any given Sunday, it’s why the games are played. But if the Jaguars play like they did against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, they won’t stand a chance against either the Bears or Colts.
The Colts currently sit at 10-4 and are practically a lock to make the playoffs. But, they are tied for the division lead with the Tennessee Titans and also split games with them this season. The Colts handed the Jags their lone victory of the season in Week 1. Jacksonville’s final game of the 2020 regular season could very well be the last time Gardner Minshew suits up for the Jags; at least as their starting quarterback. He will likely play his heart out to prove that he is still a viable option in the league. But it may not be enough for Jacksonville to get a second win this season. If the last 13 games are any indication, the Jaguars seem to keep finding new ways to lose. And even though Minshew and the rest of the Jags players will compete hard in the final two weeks, it is likely they lose both contests and for the future of the organization it is probably best that they do so.
The Jets play the Browns and the Patriots in their last two games. For purposes of the 2021 NFL Draft number one pick, it doesn’t matter what the Jets do the final two weeks, as long as the Jags lose out. But if the Jaguars luck into a win, the Jets best chance at another win would be in week 17 against the Patriots.
Last Word
Lawrence is the consensus choice to be the number one overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The only question is, which team will he go to? For most of the season, the Jets have owned the worst record in the league. However, after Sunday’s games, the Jets and Jags are tied at 1-13 and Jacksonville holds the tiebreaker for the top pick due to the strength of schedule measurement for both teams. If the Jags lose their next two games, they will own the number one pick in the draft for the first time in franchise history and they will absolutely take Trevor Lawrence.
Main Photo
