Pro Football Focus listed one reason for optimism for each non-Playoff team, and a Clemson player with the last name of Lawrence was at the center of that for two teams:
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: TREVOR LAWRENCE IS STILL A TOP-10 QUARTERBACK The Jaguars should take a step back and reevaluate. After an 8-3 start to the season, they dropped five of their next six games and missed the playoffs in embarrassing fashion. That shouldn’t happen for any team, especially not one with an excellent quarterback at the helm.
That’s why there is obvious reason for optimism. Lawrence still played well in 2023 but needs to cut down on the turnovers. He is only 24 years old and already a top-10 quarterback by most estimations. Now, the Jaguars' attention should turn to putting the right supporting cast around him.
NEW YORK GIANTS: DEXTER LAWRENCE’S CONTINUED ASCENSION There was no better defensive tackle than Dexter Lawrence in 2023. For the past two years, Lawrence has taken the leap from a solid starter to an All-Pro-caliber player, and his 93.0 grade in 2023 reflects that. Only the Browns' Myles Garrett earned a better overall grade on the defensive side of the ball.
Lawrence’s jump stemmed from his increased pass-rushing success. His 92.6 pass-rushing grade was the highest among all interior defenders this season, and although he managed only 4.5 sacks, he was a constant presence in the backfield. The Giants can build their defense around one of the NFL's truly great players.