PFF lists Jags’ top-3 players heading into 2022

Pro Football Focus recently compiled a list of three players who they thought were the best from every NFL team, and there were several interesting names on it when looking around the league. The trio that was listed especially was interesting for the Jags because they shockingly listed two players on offense and just one on defense.

Those players were quarterback Trevor Lawrence, guard Brandon Scherff, and edge-rusher Josh Allen. Bill Linsey, who made the list, also had cornerback Shaquill Griffin and Christian Kirk down for honorable mentions while providing the following insight on how he came up with a Jags trio:

The Jaguars have spent aggressively in free agency the last two offseasons, but they haven’t really added any elite talent in the midst of all that spending. Scherff is the closest they got to that caliber of player — a “very good” guard who has had his troubles staying on the field over the course of his career. Still, his addition should help the offensive line in 2022.

The hope is that No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker proves to be a snub on this list, but as of now, Allen still projects as the top edge rusher on this team next season. His 78.6 PFF grade in 2021 was a career-high.

Lawrence’s inclusion is based largely on who he was as a prospect coming out of Clemson and the glimpses shown as a rookie. The disastrous environment he was thrown into last season takes much of the blame for his 59.6 PFF grade as a rookie.

Of the three, the most shocking listing is Lawrence, but fans certainly won’t complain about him being listed. Of course, after watching his rookie season it made sense for PFF to base his listing on what they saw at Clemson where Lawrence was clearly the top signal-caller of his class.

With new coach Doug Pederson now in the building, many are much more confident that Lawrence can move away from the lackluster rookie season he had after completing 59.6% (359-of-602) of his passes for 3,641 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 17 picks. However, there were certainly bright spots to build on despite former head coach Urban Meyer being a major issue off the field and Pederson undoubtedly can take advantage of those moments.

As for Allen, he often found himself earning some of the Jags’ best grades week in and week out, so by PFF’s account, he’s becoming a consistent player. He ultimately finished the season with a 78.5 overall grade and the addition of Travon Walker should only help him.

As for Scherff, he’s been even more consistent than Allen. The key for him will be health, though, as he’s only played in 13 games once in the last four seasons.