Jacksonville power players enthused by Jags drafting QB Trevor Lawrence

This month’s Power Poll shows Jacksonville’s power elite are enthused by the Jacksonville Jaguars’ selection of  quarterback Trevor Lawrence as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft last month.

Coming off their worst season in franchise history and their record of 1-15 on the field in 2020 resulting in the worst record in the league, the Jags had the first overall draft. They lived up to projections and wasted no time in committing to Lawrence who, out of Clemson University, was one of  the highest rated QBs ever to enter the draft.

Community and business leaders in Jacksonville are buying into Trevor Mania and lauding the team for the selection. May’s poll showed 68.8% of those surveyed said they were relieved the franchise drafted Lawrence. Another 25% said they expected the pick but they don’t know if Lawrence can live up to the hype. Another 6.3% said they’re not sure about the pick.

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Since Lawrence’s selection by the Jags in late April, the former NCAA FBS national champion has made a positive impression among power players in Jacksonville. He’s already committed to charitable causes in Jacksonville and moved to the city nearly immediately after the draft.

Of those surveyed in the Power Poll, 62.5%  said Lawrence is a winner and is a mature leader who will manage to get the franchise back to winning ways. Another 31.3% said Lawrence seems aware, but he’s still a young college kid and they’re waiting to see how he develops. Another respondent said they’re not sure.

Eric Mann, president and CEO of the YMCA of the First Coast, said there are so many variables playing into the future of the Jaguars, it’s tough to tell what will happen with Lawrence.

Lawrence is “Talented and a winner but it depends on the offensive line and that’s a big question mark. I’d hate to see Trevor running for his life and sacked all the time (which equals) injuries,” Mann said.

That sentiment is reflected in the perception of the Jaguars franchise as well. While the power elite in Jacksonville are excited about the Jags selecting Lawrence, years of heartbreak and losing seasons on the field have taken their toll on fans.

Despite the drafting of Lawrence, 62.5% of those surveyed said they’ve learned to wait and see with the Jaguars before the season begins and they won’t get their hopes up. Another 31.3% said the Jags also added new head coach Urban Meyer so it appears the franchise is heading in the right direction while 6.3% said the team is still owned by Shad Khan which spells loser.

The survey was conducted in email sent to 112 people between May 10 -13 and 16 people responded. Thanks for taking part in May's Power Poll. I'm Drew Dixon and look for next month's Power Poll in Jacksonville in early June.