Jacksonville Jaguars Trevor Lawrence, Detroit Lions DJ Reader Expected to Have Big Years

Jacksonville Jaguars Trevor Lawrence, Detroit Lions DJ Reader Expected to Have Big Years originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The path to NFL stardom isn't always a straight line. Just ask former Clemson standouts Trevor Lawrence and DJ Reader, two players who, for different reasons, saw their 2024 campaigns fall short of expectations. But according to analytics powerhouse Pro Football Focus, both are primed for significant rebounds in 2025.

After a tumultuous 2024 season derailed by injuries and inconsistency, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence finds himself at a crucial juncture. A shoulder injury and concussion limited the former No. 1 overall pick to just 10 games, where he posted a modest 60.6% completion rate, 2,045 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. For a player of Lawrence's caliber, those numbers were a clear step back.

PFF's Dalton Wasserman pointed to a trifecta of issues: "Inaccuracy, injuries and coaching instability derailed Trevor Lawrence’s 2024 season." Wasserman noted Lawrence's career-worst 3.9% turnover-worthy play rate as a key indicator of his struggles. However, with a revamped leadership structure in Jacksonville, key veteran additions to the offensive line, and a dynamic receiving duo of Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter, the stage is set for a resurgence. "If Lawrence returns to full health, he’s well-positioned for a strong bounce-back campaign in 2025," Wasserman wrote.

The Jaguars have already shown their faith in Lawrence, signing him to a massive five-year, $275 million extension prior to the 2024 season. Now, with a cleaner pocket and explosive weapons at his disposal, the pressure is on for the Clemson legend to reclaim his place among the league's elite quarterbacks.

Meanwhile, in the Motor City, veteran defensive tackle DJ Reader is also looking to re-establish his dominance. The 30-year-old anchor of the Detroit Lions' defensive line is coming off a statistically down year, at least by his lofty standards. While starting all 15 games he appeared in, Reader's 23 total tackles and three sacks were accompanied by career lows in PFF's overall and run-defense grades.

According to Wasserman, a heavy workload may have contributed to the dip in production, especially after fellow defensive tackle Alim McNeill was lost for the season. "He was tasked with his heaviest workload since 2021," Wasserman explained. The solution for 2025 could be a case of addition by, well, addition. With McNeill's return and the arrival of first-round pick Tyleik Williams, the Lions have the depth to keep Reader fresh. "Reader could thrive in a more balanced role with a reduced snap count in 2025," Wasserman projects.

A force in the trenches for nine seasons with the Texans, Bengals, and now the Lions, Reader has built a reputation as one of the premier run-stuffers in the NFL. A return to form for Reader would be a massive boost for a Detroit team with championship aspirations.

For both Lawrence and Reader, the 2025 season represents an opportunity for redemption. And if PFF's projections hold true, the roar could be returning for these two former Tigers.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.