Jaguars rookie quarterback receives low grade for NFL debut

Trevor Lawrence made his NFL debut on Saturday night. The first-overall pick in April’s draft, the Clemson product is expected to become the franchise quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

NFL Network’s Chad Reuter broke down Lawrence’s first appearance in Jacksonville’s 23-13 preseason loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Trevor Lawrence debut grade: C

In two quarters of play, Lawrence was 6-of-9 for 71 yards on the night. He created his first NFL highlight, too, finding Marvin Jones Jr. late in the third quarter on third down.

Still, there was plenty of room for improvement. On the first play from scrimmage in his NFL career, his offensive line crumbled against a five-man rush, resulting in sack.

“Lawrence struggled to step up into the pocket when feeling pressure on other snaps, as well, giving him a poor throwing platform on one play and an additional sack,” Reuter wrote. “When in rhythm, though, Lawrence threw a perfect 12-yard pattern to Marvin Jones Jr. before the veteran came out of his break. He found Jones later down the seam for another big play when the line gave him loads of time to find his target.

“Lawrence was a bit tall on some throws, which matched his misses at Clemson when he failed to transfer his weight properly. The rookie must speed up his processing and get outside the pocket (either on called plays or keeping his feet moving after his drop) to help him think less and create more.”

Reuter gave Lawrence’s overall performance a C. The rookie will have two more preseason opportunities to grow. The Jaguars play the Saints on Aug. 23 and close out the preseason at Dallas on Aug. 29.

Room for growth

Lawrence led Clemson to a national title as a freshman. And now the Jaguars are expecting Lawrence to develop into their franchise quarterback. Former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer was brought in this offseason, taking over as head coach. The duo are expected to play a large part in the franchise’s turnaround on the field.

“I think using my legs a little bit in those situations when protection is great, we just don’t have anybody open,” Lawrence said. “They’re just matching us well on defense there and they had some good zone calls today. Just using my legs to extend some plays and putting us in a better situation. I think I could have done that a little bit better for sure. But that didn’t have anything to do with me not trying to take a hit or anything.”

A Heisman runner-up in his final season in Clemson, Trevor Lawrence has now entered a Jacksonville quarterback room that includes Gardner Minshew and C.J. Beathard. The Jaguars have been searching for a reliable quarterback for years. Since 2010, Blake Bortles is the only quarterback to start all 16 games in a season.