JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It’s official: The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft on Thursday night.
Lawrence didn’t go to Cleveland, the site of the draft, but instead chose to watch the draft in Seneca, South Carolina -- near Clemson -- with his wife Marissa and about 60 other people, made up of close family and friends.
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Almost time. #NFLDraft2021 pic.twitter.com/2IbKDGtcO7
— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) April 29, 2021
Lawrence got to speak to the media after he was selected and said it’s “going to be a fun year” for the Jaguars.
“I’m going to put the work in. No one is going to work harder. One of the main things I can say, I’ll put the work in and do what it takes,” Lawrence said.
Trevor Lawrence said he didn’t even want to put the Jags hat on while they were testing his TV set up at the house he was at. He didn’t want to jinx it. He said he didn’t really ever during this offseason think 100% he was going to Jacksonville. pic.twitter.com/M2dHEjmYkO
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) April 30, 2021
When asked if he expected to start Week 1, he said, “My mindset going in, like I said, I’m going to earn everything, I don’t have any expectations from anyone except myself. Step by step, do everything in my power to be the best I can be and put us in the best chance to win.”
Lawrence is the fourth quarterback drafted by the franchise in the first round in its 27 years of existence, joining Byron Leftwich (2003), Blaine Gabbert (2011) and Blake Bortles (2014).
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These moments>>> pic.twitter.com/eG8Bf9iJFg
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) April 30, 2021
Like Jaguars owner Shad Khan told Action Sports Jax’s Brent Martineau, Lawrence also said he was “pumped.”
“The best is yet to come,” Lawrence said.
LETS GOOOOO!!!!!!! So excited to be in Jacksonville. The best is yet to come. #DUUUVAL
— Trevor Lawrence (@Trevorlawrencee) April 30, 2021
Let’s work. pic.twitter.com/jMSrFbiyiH
What makes Lawrence a generational talent?
During his time at Cartersville High School in Georgia, he led the team to two state titles and he threw for over 13,000 yards and 161 touchdowns -- both of those became Georgia high school state records previously held by current Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson.
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Also, most coaches will tell you that the best ability is availability. Other than games missed due to COVID-19, you know No. 16 was going to suit up every week.
His pocket poise is one of the attributes many have complimented -- no happy feet and his eyes stay down the field. Sure, he’ll move around a bit, but he’s always aware of what’s happening in front and around him.
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And lastly, don’t sleep on his legs. Remember the 67-yard touchdown run he had against Ohio State in 2019? Of course, his arm is the primary weapon of choice, but he’ll get out of there if he needs to.
These traits, and many others, are why the “generational talent” label has been placed on the long-locked Lawrence. Here’s hoping that this 16 will make the misery of the Jags last 16 games worth the wait.
YOUR OFFICIAL JAGUARS STATIONS: Find out what having the first overall pick in the NFL Draft means for Jacksonville off the gridiron on the Action Sports Jax Jags Nation: Draft Night in Duval special on Thursday on CBS47 and FOX30
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