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The Jacksonville Jaguars have set themselves up with an exciting future after bringing in a plethora of rookies. Trevor Lawrence leads the way and gives this franchise hope for success. Unfortunately for them, the Jaguars participate in a top-heavy AFC South division that's spearheaded by the Tennessee Titans.
Even so, Jacksonville has plenty to be excited about. For one thing, they're not the Houston Texans. Additionally, the Jaguars have multiple exciting prospects on the roster that could blossom in the years to come. It might be a rough season for this team, but the front office has provided a solid foundation for this rebuild.
This year, the Jaguars' offensive line isn't the best, however, they could end up as a nice surprise. The wide receiver room has some great talent, but a veteran could prove to be the most consistent target. After Travis Etienne suffered a season-ending injury, James Robinson is in line for another strong performance. Lastly, Lawrence will look to prove why he was selected first overall in the draft. With that said, here are four bold predictions for the Jaguars' 2021 NFL season.
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4. Jaguars offensive line plays better than expected
It's not the most impressive group, but they're certainly far from being the worst. The Jaguars created solid running lanes for Robinson last year and should be able to repeat that consistency. With Lawrence under center, the offensive line needs to be at their best to protect the franchise quarterback. This group has the potential to be consistent in the trenches.
If they can manage that, the Jaguars should be able to win more games than expected. The game is won in the trenches, and solid play could provide a nice boost to the offensive production. They might begin the year a bit slow, but as the season progresses, we should see a stout offensive line emerge in Jacksonville.
3. Marvin Jones Jr. is the best receiver on the team
There is a lot of hype surrounding Laviska Shenault right now and for good reason. However, Marvin Jones Jr. could serve as the Jaguars' top receiver instead. He's been a consistent target for the Detroit Lions throughout his career and that shouldn't change now that he's in Jacksonville. There will be plenty of target competition, as Shenault and DJ Chark are presumed as the main two weapons in the passing game.
Even so, Marvin Jones Jr. is slept on year in and year out. He's the most experienced receiver on the Jaguars roster and is a big-bodied target. Lawrence is likely to look his way in the red zone, especially since the Jaguars don't have a tight end to help in that area. Look for Jones to play a much bigger role than anticipated, as he could quickly become Lawrence's favorite pass option.
2. James Robinson repeats for another dominant season
James Robinson came out of nowhere last year as an undrafted free agent. The Jaguars were hoping to have a solid one-two punch in the backfield, but now with Travis Etienne out for the year, Robinson is set up for another productive season. If that happens, Jacksonville will have a much better offense and could put themselves in playoff contention.
The front office has improved the roster greatly, especially on the offense. For that reason, James Robinson could have an even bigger year in 2021. With Lawrence under center and a plethora of solid receivers, the running lanes should be open for Robinson throughout the season. Look for the Jaguars to rely on the run a bit more, as they have a chance to be a surprise playoff team. However, it all starts with James Robinson and the offensive line.
1. Trevor Lawrence wins Offensive Rookie of the Year
It's not every day a team selects a franchise quarterback in the NFL draft. Although Trevor Lawrence must perform, he's one of the best prospects to enter the league since the likes of Peyton Manning. Jacksonville is in good hands, but the coaching staff must develop him properly if they hope to become a legitimate contender down the road.
His rookie campaign will be a nice way to set the pace for his career. The Jaguars have a good enough offense for him to work with, which bodes well for his rookie outlook. Lawrence will have some stiff competition for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. If he can maintain composure, the Jaguars quarterback should be receiving the prestigious award by the end of the season. Keep an eye on Trevor Lawrence, as he has all of the potential in the world to become a franchise quarterback sooner, rather than later.
