Black and Teal
FanSided

Jaguars Training Camp: Three Positional Competitions To Monitor

By Larry Brake

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Offensive lineman Cam Robinson of Alabama answers questions from the media on Day 2 of the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Offensive lineman Cam Robinson of Alabama answers questions from the media on Day 2 of the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Jacksonville Jaguars open training camp later this month.  Interest is growing around three positions and which player will be the starter.

Jacksonville Jaguars rookies report to camp on July 19th.  Jaguars veteran players report on July 26th.  The first practice of training camp in July 27th.

The offseason moves have given hope to Jaguars fans, once again.  The draft, a trade and free agency have produced more positional match ups heading into camp than preceding years.  The biggest question is, which player will be the starting left tackle when Jacksonville goes to Houston for the first game?

Roster slots are difficult to earn in today’s NFL.  It’s worth mentioning that Jimmy Smith was cut from Dallas and Philadelphia before becoming one of the greatest Jaguars ever.  Camp production is the best way to earn a spot on the roster in addition to being terrific on special teams.

Three Positions Worth Monitoring Throughout Jaguars Training Camp

First of all, the battle for left tackle is looming large.  Cam Robinson was drafted in the second round and started every collegiate game at left tackle.  Branden Albert was obtained from Miami to fill the starting left tackle void.

Robinson’s strengths according to NFL.com:

"Outstanding, proportional frame with combination of thickness and athleticism. Fires into his target with a forceful pop generating early power and push. Can uproot defender and turn him out of hole as a drive blocker."

As the Jaguars move to a power run team, Robinson appears to be the starter.

Albert is a veteran left tackle with 118 career starts since 2008.  The two time Pro Bowler has battled injuries recently.  Would Jacksonville opt for experience over youth?

Next, which fullback will the Jaguars keep for 2017?  The Jaguars used their seventh round pick to draft Marquez Williams.  Tommy Bohanon signed as a free agent due to being Chris Ivory‘s blocking fullback in New York.

Do the Jaguars squander a draft pick or go with experience?  Most noteworthy is the fact that Spotrac.com reports that William’s  contact guarantees him $71,236, not much in Jaguar cap space.  Bohanon’s contract guarantees no cash amount at all.  The starting fullback will be the better player.

Finally, Leonard Fournette is fast becoming the face of the franchise.  Ivory and T.J. Yeldon had their turns to be the running back but things never materialized for either one.  Fournette, barring injury, will be the work horse running back for many season’s to come.

Home/Jacksonville Jaguars News