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Jacksonville Jaguars position battles: Branden Albert vs Cam Robinson

By Adam McCarty

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) reacts against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) reacts against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Why Branden Albert?

Albert, once finally involved with team activities, will definitely be more prepared to start come September. With 118 starts in his 120 games played, he has the experience of starting at left tackle for a NFL Franchise. Since his first season in 2008, Albert has always been a starter whether it was during his six years with the Kansas City Chiefs or his last three seasons with the Miami Dolphins.

The biggest concern with Albert is his ability to stay on the field. Heading into his tenth season, he has only one sixteen-game season on his resume. The Jacksonville Jaguars need a tackle to stay strong at the left side of the field for an entire season and it will be a matter of Albert being able to stand up to the test of time. Missing 20 games between the years of 2012-2016 alone raise some concern considering that is more than an entire season.

Dec 24, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Branden Albert (76) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Branden Albert (76) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

If Albert truly wants that spot, it all starts with him being able to prove it’s his to have. Sooner or later the 32-year old veteran will have to join his new team or not play football as Caldwell said in his own words. Caldwell noted that they will not grant him a new contract or release him so his options are limited. If Albert can come in, work hard, and have a successful season then I’m sure owner Shahid Khan will gladly open his check book.

This offseason headache aside, Branden Albert still has some gas in his tank even though it may not result in a completely healthy season. Potentially Jacksonville can opt to mimic Miami in the way they started Albert at left tackle until he was injured to work in their rookie Laremy Tunsil. Albert has two years left on contract and could retire a Jaguar depending on his play, he has had a Pro Bowl season for each of his previous teams.

Why Cam Robinson?

Robinson brings with him a lot of potential and a solid list of accolades from his college career. Even before his college career started, Robinson was the third best high school prospect (second best was Leonard Fournette) and a five-star recruit in the nation. When he took the field for Alabama for three years here are some of his biggest accomplishments:

  • Freshman All-American
  • 1st team All-American (2016)
  • 3x All-SEC team selection
  • One National Title (2015) / Three National Title Appearances
  • Team Captain (2016)
  • Outland Trophy Winner (2016)
  • SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy
  • Never missed a game

That is quite an impressive list to have tagged on one’s name in three short years. With good comes the bad as well, though. In May of last year, Robinson (and a fellow Alabama player) was arrested. Robinson was found with marijuana and an illegally possessed firearm. This led to his arrest and he has luckily stayed out of trouble since this occurred.

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) in action against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) in action against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Arrest aside, Robinson will find that vice president of football operations Tom Coughlin is not one to tolerate any behavior that is arrest-worthy. Jacksonville’s culture change surely will help keep Robinson, and other rookies, out of any type of trouble.

Outside of his off the field concerns, he really won’t find too many red flags on the field. He does seem to find more trouble defending the pass rush than run blocking. The best thing about Robinson’s college career is the fact that he has gone against some of the top college prospects over the last three seasons. The “pro leap” shouldn’t be too concerning with his background and he has a good amount of flexibility for being such a large body.

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Five years down the road I expect to see Robinson in the left tackle spot and spend his career in Jacksonville. This college standout has all the ability in the world to be successful and in the right system will find success early. Between being top high school prospects and playing each other in the same division in college, fellow rookie running back Leonard Fournette already has chemistry with Robinson.

The Verdict

Come September 10th in the season opener I imagine that Branden Albert will be starting at left tackle and Cam Robinson will fill the void at left guard. This season may be deja vu for Albert in the sense that he is going to mentor Robinson until either A) Albert is injured or B) Robinson truly outshines Albert. Now with the lineup of Albert at tackle and Robinson at guard I truly believe that our offensive line will be at its best to start the year. As time goes on maybe Robinson shifts out to left tackle, but I don’t see it happening unless one of the two things I said above happens.

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