Potential no 1 Draft Pick Trevor Lawrence Undecided on his NFL Future
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has yet to commit to entering the 2021 NFL draft. The junior had previously told ESPN’s College GameDay that he was planning on the current college campaign being his last. However, he recently clarified that he was “leaving the door open for all [his] options.” The junior has missed the last two games after testing positive for COVID-19.
Clemson slide in the betting after Notre Dame defeat
Without their star man, the Tigers saw their unbeaten season come to an end, slipping to 7-1 after a double overtime shootout defeat to Notre Dame. The winners now sit atop the ACC after moving to 7-0. Now back in the fold, Lawrence should start under centre against Florida State, taking over from freshman D.J Uiagalelei.
That defeat has seen Clemson slide in the odds. Prior to losing against the Fighting Irish, Clemson were vying for favouritism in the National Championship Winner market. If we take a look at odds available for betting with new bookmakers, RubyBet have the Tigers at 4.33 (10/3), putting them behind both Alabama (2.25) and Ohio State (3.60).
What NFL teams can expect from Lawrence
If Lawrence does decide its time to enter the NFL, it’s expected that he’ll be the first overall pick of the 2021 draft class next April. However, that status as the nation’s leading prospect could also impact his decision. If the team with the overall pick looks to have plenty of rebuilding work to do – and thus prove a turbulent environment for a rookie – that could also influence the call.
It’s easy to see why the Georgia native will be so sought after in the pros, too. The 2019 season saw the QB throw for 3,665 yards, racking up 36 touchdowns with just 8 interceptions. The 6ft 6in passer poses a threat on the ground too, notching 9 more rushing TDs last year.
Although regarded as one of the best prospects to come out of the collegiate system in recent seasons, Lawrence has yet to get his hands on the National Championship. The Tigers fell at the final hurdle in 2019, losing 42-25 to LSU – led by the most recent number one pick Joe Burrow.
The game wasn’t Lawrence’s finest hour either, as he recorded the lowest passer rating of his career to date and failed to throw a single touchdown through the air. So, he looks sure to be a hot prospect in whichever draft he enters, Lawrence may still feel there is unfinished business with Clemson.
No certainty for the Heisman
The Heisman usually ends up in the hands of a quarterback. 9 of the last 10 winners have been QBs with Derrick Henry’s 2015 victory the only exception in that time. If Lawrence is to take the prestigious prize, he would be the first Clemson player in history to do so. Unlike last year, where Burrow took a staggering 93.8% of the points possible, the 2020 class looks much more competitive.
Alabama QB Mac Jones certainly has leading claims. 16 TDs on the season to date puts him on pace for an emphatic campaign. Justin Fields of Ohio State is also a serious contender. The Buckeye is expected to rival Lawrence as the number 1 draft pick if both choose to go pro in 2021. Fields has played fewer games than both of his leading rivals, but a 6 TD performance against Rutgers showcased his talents on the ground as well as through the air. If Lawrence decides to play his senior year, then he could contend for next year’s prize of course, although he still seems more likely to be playing in the NFL in 12 months’ time.
