Tanking for Trevor: What Team Lands the Clemson Star?
It’s no secret that the prized possession in the 2021 NFL Draft is Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence would have been a top-10 pick in each of the previous two NFL Drafts, but he is finally eligible at the end of this college football season.
Lawrence is the type of player that is capable of turning a franchise around, and there will be a number of suitors lining up to take the stud quarterback. “Tanking” is not common in the NFL, but it appears that a number of NFL teams are employing that strategy during the 2020 season.
Trades are always a possibility during the NFL Draft, and there is a chance a team is capable of moving up for a chance to take the Clemson superstar. Those discussions will happen sometime during the Spring of 2021, but teams are already positioning themselves this fall.
Here are the current teams appearing to “Tank for Trevor” and a breakdown of why that might or might not be a good idea.
New York Jets
Entering Week 7, the New York Jets are the only winless team in the NFL, and it doesn’t look like a ton of wins are coming their way. New York currently has Sam Darnold at the quarterback position, but he has yet to show signs of improvement.
There is no doubt that the Jets would love to draft Lawrence if they landed the number 1 overall pick, but that’s where things get complicated. Lawrence has publicly stated his unwillingness to play for this organization, and he would likely return to Clemson rather than be drafted by the Jets.
In other words: Anything is better than being taken by this team.
New York Giants
The New York Giants have just one win through seven games this season, but they appear to be set at the quarterback position. Daniel Jones has played well for the Giants, but he just hasn’t gotten a ton of help from his teammates.
Even though Trevor Lawrence will likely have a better NFL career than Daniel Jones, don’t expect the Giants to participate in the “Tanking For Trevor” campaign this season.
Washington Football Team
The Washington Football Team has already made a change at quarterback position, and there is plenty of room to improve. Washington has a dominant defense, and a superstar quarterback is needed.
Washington could still win the NFC East this season, but the franchise would be better served to “Tank for Trevor,” and select Lawrence next spring. Washington is a likely landing spot for the Clemson star in 2021.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings were expected to be a playoff team in 2020, but this team has been a mess. Kirk Cousins seems secure in the quarterback position, but it’s unclear where this team is headed.
Minnesota could play its way into the race this season, even though that would be a huge disappointment to Vikings fans.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville seems to be happy with Gardner Minshew at the quarterback position, even though Lawrence would provide a huge upgrade. This team has continued to struggle in 2020, but they have other areas that need more attention.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have been a mess so far in 2020, but this team is actually set at the quarterback position. Deshaun Watson continues to put up huge numbers this season, but he just hasn’t gotten enough help.
The Texans are bad this season, but this franchise is not “Tanking for Trevor.”
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta enters Week 7 with a record of 1-5, and they are squarely in the race for Lawrence. Veteran quarterback Matt Ryan continues to produce for the Falcons, but the team has no back-up plan.
Even if the Falcons are not able to land the number 1 overall pick next spring, don’t be surprised to see this team make a play for Lawrence.
