Austin Pasztor and the Offensive Line Swap

Austin Pasztor proved to be a liability at right tackle during the 2014 season. The entire position was abysmal for the Jaguars as they churned through players hoping to find someone who could stick. Pasztor was hardly the worst option, but he didn’t do enough to warrant letting him stay at that position.

Instead, the Jacksonville Jaguars went out and nabbed Jermey Parnell in free agency after a stellar season with the Dallas Cowboys.

So, what do the Jags do with Austin Pasztor? They moved him inside to guard. It isn’t a completely unfamiliar position for the young offensive lineman, having played there as a rookie in 2012. The move is representative of a better understanding of a cohesive offensive line and creating a unit utilizing the best skills of each player. Pasztor is a decent offensive lineman, just not a starting right tackle. He could do well as depth in the interior.

Fortunately for the Jaguars, it looks like Pasztor is doing well adapting to the guard position again. He’s impressing his coaches during OTAs and he’s proving that he could be that guy the team relies upon to step up for limited periods.

"He’s caught our attention. He’s doing some good things. It could be down the line where he could maybe be a swing guy, play guard and tackle. Until we get the pads on, we’ll see, but that could be a possibility, so I think that adds even more depth for us at tackle. – Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley on Austin Pasztor"

If he can continue to grow as an all-around player for the offensive line, adapting as a swing guard/tackle for an offensive line that seemingly finds trouble every year. Gus Bradley thinks he’s doing a good job and if the offensive line is much improved over last year, it should force Pasztor to up his game in order to stay on the roster beyond 2015.

All in all, the movement of Pasztor is showing the improved quality of the offensive line this offseason. There are a lot of new faces up front, but they should find better success than the poor showing 2014 had to offer.

Next: James Sample is Among 2015 NFL Draft Steals

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