Trevor Lawrence, once celebrated as the top quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck, has openly acknowledged the challenges he has faced in the NFL. As he prepares for his fifth season in 2025 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lawrence expresses confidence that this year could mark his significant breakthrough, demonstrating his Trevor Lawrence NFL breakout potential.
Early Expectations Versus NFL Reality
At Clemson, Lawrence’s talent was undeniable, leading analysts and fans to crown him among the best quarterback prospects in years. The Jacksonville Jaguars secured him as the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, choosing him ahead of standout players like Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, Jaycee Horn, Patrick Surtain II, and DeVonta Smith. While expectations soared, Lawrence’s professional journey has yet to mirror the dominance he displayed in college.
Although far from being considered a “bust,” he has struggled to replicate his Clemson form consistently. Fans and observers alike have grown increasingly uncertain whether they will ever witness Lawrence reach his full potential in the NFL.
Despite these doubts, Lawrence remains optimistic about his future. He conveyed in a recent appearance on Pardon My Take,
“I feel like this is like getting into my prime. I have a lot of good years left ahead of me and I need to really turn it on. And I think what we’ve built around me and what they’ve done this offseason has been a great start.”
—Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback
Struggles and Setbacks with the Jaguars
Following the 2022 season, Jaguars fans had high hopes for Lawrence to lead their team dominantly within the AFC South. However, injuries and inconsistent coaching undermined those expectations, resulting in a disappointing performance that extended into 2024.
In the 2024 campaign, Lawrence managed only two wins and suffered a concussion, contributing to a nine-game losing streak that culminated in a 4-13 record for Jacksonville. Frustrated with the team‘s downward trend, owner Omar Khan replaced head coach Doug Pederson with Liam Coen, known for his work with Baker Mayfield at Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Matthew Stafford at the Los Angeles Rams.
Lawrence shared his confidence in the new leadership, saying,
“I really feel good about the situation we’re in. I love Coach [Liam] Coen and the whole staff and everyone, all the guys that were brought in free agency. Just good dudes, good players, too. But I really feel like we’ve done some great things this offseason.”
—Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback
New Coaching and Team Composition Inspire Optimism
The Jaguars’ roster now includes several promising players who could support Lawrence’s growth. Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. tallied 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. The team also acquired Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter—a versatile dual-threat athlete—through the general manager James Gladstone trading up in the draft. Meanwhile, running back Travis Etienne Jr. returns to share carries with Tank Bigsby, adding depth to the backfield.
Despite these assets, Jacksonville’s offensive line remains a significant concern. Pro Football Focus ranked it as the sixth worst in the league going into the new season. If this unit cannot offer consistent protection, Lawrence may face similar struggles as in previous years.
Expert Analysis Supports Lawrence’s Potential for Rebound
Pro Football Focus (PFF) highlights that Lawrence possesses the skills to succeed at a high level, warning only that expecting him to be error-free is unrealistic. Under former coach Pederson, Lawrence was tasked with handling all passes by himself, a high-pressure role that exposed his vulnerabilities.
Liam Coen’s arrival brings hope of a tailored offensive strategy that leverages Lawrence’s strengths, much like the successful system at Clemson where the strong run game complemented his skill set. Coen’s previous success in Tampa Bay, orchestrating a productive partnership between Baker Mayfield and rookie rusher Bucky Irving, bodes well for the Jaguars if a similar approach is adopted.
According to PFF,
“Trevor Lawrence might be the biggest wild card in this tier… His 79.7 overall grade in 2023 was a career high, and now he’ll have Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter as his top targets with Liam Coen taking over as offensive coordinator.”
—Pro Football Focus
Season Outlook and Upcoming Challenges
Jacksonville’s 2025 schedule may further boost their chances. Sharp Football Analysis rates the Jaguars’ slate as the sixth-easiest, a factor that could aid Lawrence in producing better results. The team will kick off the season facing Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers, which marks the first game of Lawrence’s anticipated breakout year.
Lawrence emphasized his mindset for this pivotal season, stating,
“Year 5, it’s time to go, time to start winning consistently and be not just that team that no one takes you seriously, you want to be that team that is always competing and for playoffs, Super Bowls, and you’re in the hunt.”
—Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback
The Road Ahead for Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars
As Trevor Lawrence embarks on this crucial 2025 campaign, the combination of new coaching, a strengthening roster, and a supportive schedule could catalyze the long-awaited NFL breakout. The Jaguars’ ability to improve their offensive line will be key to shielding Lawrence and enabling him to manage the game as he did in college.
If Lawrence capitalizes on this opportunity, it could mark a significant turning point in his career, reshaping perceptions around his ability to lead Jacksonville to consistent success and playoff contention in the highly competitive AFC South division.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How many concussions did Trevor Lawrence have?
A. This is his second concussion while playing for the Jaguars and his third since his time at Clemson. Lawrence got a concussion when the Jaguars lost to Baltimore in Week 15 last December but still played in their next game against Tampa Bay.
Q. Is Trevor Lawrence a dad?
A. Trevor Lawrence, an NFL athlete, is now a father! He and his wife Marissa revealed that they have welcomed their first child. They expressed their deep love for the baby.