One of the NFL's highest regarded amateur prospects, Lawrence was near unanimously projected to be taken first overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lawrence drew comparisons to Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterbacks John Elway and Peyton Manning and 2012 first overall pick Andrew Luck, with the slogan "Tank for Trevor" gaining popularity among fans of struggling teams. "ESPN" Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Lawrence as the fourth highest-graded quarterback he had ever evaluated behind Elway, Luck, and Manning.