Trevor Lawrence Pro Day/ Surgery

Projected #1 Pick out 5–6 Months

The projected #1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Trevor Lawrence showed off his strong arm during his personal Pro Day last week. The Clemson star made a few noteworthy throws albeit in an empty field with no pressure coming at him. There is no denying the sheer arm strength and potential that he has going into the NFL. He will most likely pair up with Head Coach, Urban Meyer in Jacksonville if things go as expected.

However, after Trevor Lawrence’s impressive showing in front of NFL personnel, he will undergo surgery for a torn labrum on his non-throwing shoulder that will keep him out for an estimated 5–6 months. Lawrence should be ready for the start of NFL training camp.

Trevor Lawrence had the opportunity to stay at Clemson for one final year, but opted to forego his Senior season and enter into the Draft. There is no question that Lawrence is gifted at the quarterback position, but with this injury, his probable #1 overall draft selection could be in question. While I don’t believe the Jacksonville Jaguars will pass up on Lawrence, this shoulder surgery is something they will have to keep an eye on leading up to the Draft.

Lawrence told ESPN’s Reece Davis ‘I think roughly — & obviously I’ve gotta continue to talk to the doctors & see how the rehab goes — but I think I can throw in 6–8 weeks after the surgery, start throwing again. And then looking at a 4–5 month full clearance.’

Again, the injury is on his non-throwing shoulder, so it should not affect the power and accuracy in which he throws the football. However, with any injury to a starting quarterback, there is concern of re-injury. Whichever NFL team lands Trevor Lawrence will need to take into account this surgery and whether they think he will be plagued by it for his career.

Andrew Luck and Cam Newton suffered a torn labrum on their throwing shoulder in the same season back in 2017. Luck had his surgery 3 months prior to Newton. However, Newton began throwing a football quicker than Luck. A Labrum injury affects players a lot differently than some. It really all depends on the rehab process and how committed the athlete is to coming back stronger.

Luckily for Lawrence the injury is on his left shoulder, but the recovery and rehab process will be just as important as it was to Luck and Newton. Trevor Lawrence seems like a guy who has the right mindset going into surgery. I believe he will come back without limitation and that this Injury will not be a lingering issue through his NFL career.

I anticipate the Jaguars jumping on the opportunity to snag a generationally talented quarterback who comes from a background of winning throughout his years in High School and with Dabo Swinney at Clemson. Pair him with Urban Meyer and the Jags could have something special brewing in Jacksonville.