Meyer: Drafting Lawrence at No. 1 'the direction we're headed'
The NFL generally likes to maintain the mystery surrounding the No. 1 pick in the draft, but Urban Meyer isn't pretending the Jacksonville Jaguars' sights aren't firmly set on Trevor Lawrence.
"I'd have to say that's the direction we're going," the head coach told Peter King of NBS Sports. "I'll leave that up to the owner when we make that decision official. But I'm certainly not stepping out of line that that's certainly the direction we're headed."
Lawrence has been pegged as the top selection ever since he led Clemson to a national title in spectacular fashion during the 2018 season. With the Jaguars in dire need of a franchise quarterback, most believe the team will draft the former Tigers standout over the likes of Zach Wilson and Justin Fields.
"Trevor checks all the boxes, you know," Meyer said. "The No. 1 common quality of every great player, not just quarterback, is competitive maniac. He's 34-2; won a national title as a true freshman; is a winner. I've seen him up close and in person compete.
"And then character. I see him and I witness with my players, when the guys get drafted high, a lot of people get ... They have influences in their life. Like, whether it be social media, whether it be other things that really don't pertain to winning. What I'm really pleased with, and I don't want to say surprised, but him, his agent, his family, they're focused on one thing. He wants to become the best version of himself for the National Football League, which is, well, it is somewhat refreshing."
Lawrence reportedly declined the NFL's invitation to attend the draft in Cleveland on April 29, instead opting to watch the event with family and friends in Clemson, South Carolina.
The 21-year-old is currently rehabbing from left shoulder surgery he underwent Feb. 16. He is set to begin throwing again sometime in April and is expected to be ready for the start of offseason workouts.
Lawrence completed 69.2% of his passes for 3,153 yards and 24 touchdowns against five interceptions in his final season at Clemson.