Patriots, Bears, and 3 others NFL teams that should tank for Trevor Lawrence
Which five NFL teams should not resist the urge to “Tank For Trevor” this year?
A year ago or so, “Tank for Tua” entered the NFL vernacular, as teams frothed over the idea of drafting Alabama standout Tua Tagovailoa. The Miami Dolphins were most easily seen as the team to get it done and secure the No. 1 pick in the 2020 draft. But they won more games then they were supposed to, on their way to 5-11. They got the fifth overall pick and…still got Tua to be their quarterback of the future as a hip injury caused concern about him. This year, the idea teams should “Tank for Trevor” (Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence) is here.
Lawrence has been anointed as a top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, if not No. 1 overall, though Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields may ultimately have something to say about the latter point. Lawrence’s Heisman Trophy chances, and his draft stock as a residual, have taken a hit after losing top returning wide receiver Justyn Ross. But Lawrence’s numbers should still be good in what will surely be his final season playing for Dabo Swinney.
The Dolphins showed, if only by good fortune due to an unforeseen injury circumstance, that you don’t have to go 1-15 to secure the quarterback you covet in the following draft. That being said, these five teams should really consider tanking for Trevor Lawrence this year.
player. Scouting Report. NFC. Detroit Lions. 50. Pick Analysis. North. 5
With head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn possibly heading into a “playoffs or bust” season, tanking is not on the radar right now in Detroit. But there was a case for them to take Tagovailoa with the third pick in this year’s draft, and if things go off the rails again this year another top-five pick is coming next April. A particularly bad start could push Patricia out in-season.
Trade speculation surfaced around Matthew Stafford this offseason, but it was not realistic given the salary cap bath the Lions would have had to take. But looking to 2021, the numbers even up a lot ($19 million dead money hit, $14 in cap space cleared via a trade). At 33 years old by then (Feb. 7), Stafford’s future in Detroit would be get even more cloudy if there are changes at GM and head coach.
A new regime very easily equals a new quarterback, or at least a new plan at quarterback. The prospect of quick changes during the coming season, and a nice pile of losses to go with that, means Lawrence could land in the Motor City as the Lions embrace the tank.