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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Jacksonville Jaguars started the season full of optimism. Beating the Indianapolis Colts 27-20 in their opening fixture was a big statement by the Jacksonville-based outfit. However, they have only seen disappointment ever since.

Following their opening game win, the Jaguars registered 12 straight loses. Their current record stands at 1-12, second only to the New York Jets. Jaguars fans, however, have some sense of optimism.

They are within striking distance of the #1 overall draft pick for 2021. So, what does getting the first overall draft pick in 2021 mean? It means bagging one of the hottest prospects in college football, Trevor Lawrence.

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While fans look forward to getting the #1 pick, the players on the pitch have other ideas. Jaguars’ linebacker Myles Jack said the players are now playing for pride and their livelihoods.

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Jaguars have no intention to ‘Tank for Trevor’ 

Jack, while interacting with the Jaguars’ media team, said that the side has no intentions of tanking this season in order to get a better draft pick.

“I deleted my Instagram and Twitter, but you can’t run away from it, even at the gas station fans talk about Trevor Lawrence. We’re fighting for a job, the NFL does not pay losers… we’re not going out there tanking,” said Jack.

USA Today via Reuters

Jack went on to admit that this season has been more difficult than what they were used to. The Jaguars, in their entire franchise’s history, have never finished a season with barely 1 win. Their worst regular season record being 2-14, back in 2012.

“Obviously, things haven’t gone how we wanted them to go. At the same time, guys are out there playing and guys are out there fighting… Things happen and it’s kind of similar to life and this whole year: 2020.

“Bad things happen, but we continue to keep going… Even this late in the season. We’re not fighting for a playoff spot, but the guys are still playing for pride… I just hope people see the fight we have,” Jack added.

The 2021 draft scenario

The Jets (0-12) are in pole position to seal Trevor. But with 3 games left to play for both the Jaguars and the Jets, one slip up (to be read as ‘win’) by the Jets will make matters interesting.

The Jaguars face the Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, and the Indianapolis Colts next. Whereas, the Jets play the Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns, and the New England Patriots.

As things stand, Trevor’s fate might go down to the very last gameweek of the season when the Jets play division rivals, New England Patriots.

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Belichick’s tainted history with the Jets franchise is no secret. Given their past, the Patriots’ Head Coach would surely not want to see the Jets snap up the generational talent that is Trevor Lawrence.

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With the #1 draft pick on the line, the Jaguars and the Jets have all to play for. It’s a weird, weird scenario. A win means a loss in the grander scale of things. While a loss is a win.

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