Tyson Clabo: RT Fit For Jaguars?
By Luke Sims
November 11, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tackle Tyson Clabo (77) and defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (95) prior to kickoff of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a major hole to fill at right tackle. As the NFL Draft draws closer the consensus around the web is that the team will either go after West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith, a pass rusher, or a left tackle and force either that player or current starter Eugene Monroe to play right tackle for the time being.
Well that could all change if the Jags get their hands on recently released right tackle Tyson Clabo. Clabo is considered to be a casualty of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan’s inevitable increase in pay. Ryan deserves to be paid more but his right tackle has been added to the expense. Clabo, who graded out as the fifth best right tackle in the league (per Pro Football Focus), has received some serious consideration from a number of teams. The Jacksonville Jaguars, headed by ex-Falcons personnel man Dave Caldwell, have been at the top of that list.
While the best right tackle in 2012, Andre Smith, languishes in free agency, Clabo has teams clamoring to sign him. The Dallas Cowboys look to be the main competitor for Clabo but will have to find some wiggle room beneath the salary cap, possibly asking current tackles Doug Free and Jeremy Parnell to take a pay cut to make it happen.
Clabo would be an instant upgrade for the Jaguars at right tackle. Further, the Jaguars have the cap room to sign him and the familiarity with Caldwell could give them a leg up.
Personally, I hope that Clabo comes to Jacksonville because the team could desperately use his services. Further, the offensive line needs a rebuild and unless the Jaguars are fine with its quarterbacks getting sacked 50+ times a season, they likely won’y really know what they have at the quarterback position. This is especially crucial for Blaine Gabbert who is likely playing for his job in 2013.
– Luke N. Sims
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