The Jacksonville Jaguars may have had another pitiful year last season, but they do have enviable draft capital in one of the better classes in recent history. As expected they used the first overall pick on Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. What was surprising was the front office using their other first-round pick on Lawrence's college teammate, Travis Etienne. These selections are historic. 

 

Interestingly, the Cincinnati Bengals formed a reunion of their own when they chose LSU's Ja'Marr Chase fifth overall to pair with his fellow Tiger Joe Burrow, who was the first overall selection last year. 

One question with the duo of Lawrence and Etienne is who between the two will have a better career with Jacksonville. Signs point to Lawrence. Here are three reasons why. 

1. Upside 

One of the most repeated narratives surrounding Lawrence is that he is the highest-rated passer to come out of college, since Andrew Luck. That is high praise, but Lawrence has earned it as he is a complete quarterback and one has to seriously nitpick his game to see any flaws. The term generational talent is thrown around regularly when discussing Lawrence. 

Etienne is a fine running back, but he is not even the best-rated at his position this year. That recognition goes to Najee Harris who was drafted just before him by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Even when taking into consideration the greater impact a signal-caller has over a running back, Lawrence has more potential than Etienne. 

2. Opportunity

One reason why the football world was quite surprised with the selection of Etienne is that the Jaguars already had a quality running back in James Robinson. He is the same age as Etienne and rushed for over 1,000 yards last season while adding 344 receiving yards with a total of 10 touchdowns. 

With his team-friendly deal and solid play, it is safe to say that Robinson will be spending some time in Jacksonville.  

Perhaps, the Jaguars are considering a running back committee approach. If so, the touches of Etienne will be divided with Robinson and possibly other veterans. Additionally, with Lawrence in the fold, the team will surely be a pass-first team. Taking all of this into consideration, Etienne will have fewer opportunities to shine and put up impressive numbers, at least from the start.

Suffice to say, Lawrence will not be sharing playing time with Gardner Minshew.  

3. Longevity 

Quarterback is a position that under the right situation ages like fine wine. The same could not be said for running backs, who usually decline when they reach 30 years of age. This is why handing out big, long-term contracts to running backs is an especially risky move for a front office. The drop off in production comes suddenly and if the numbers do not get worse, those at the position take so much punishment that their bodies break down sooner than others.

While Lawrence is a dual-threat running back, he will mainly be operating inside the pocket. Even when he runs with his long strides, he does a good job of protecting himself. Aside from injury, the only way Etienne realistically outlasts Lawrence in Duval County is if the quarterback wants out from the team or turns into an unforeseen massive bust.