Is Cam Robinson ready to blossom into a star for the Jacksonville Jaguars?
By Billy Long
As a rookie, Cam Robinson got a taste of one of the more grueling positions in the sport.
Among a handful of seasoned veterans, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a strong supporting cast of young superstars. Guys like Jalen Ramsey, Leonard Fournette, and Yannick Ngakoue are a crucial reason why the Jaguars are pinned as a team that can compete for a title.
But all but lost in the shuffle of big name young stars is another youngster, Cam Robinson, who is seemingly entering the upcoming season under the radar, after holding down the difficult left tackle position decently as a rookie.
But is Robinson prepared to take a next step and become a household name? Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report comprised a list of NFL players “who could still blossom into stars”, and includes the second-year offensive lineman on the list:
"Cam Robinson wasn’t supposed to be the Jacksonville Jaguars’ starting left tackle last season. Branden Albert’s unexpected retirement (and release after he unretired) forced the rookie to man the blind side, and, expectedly, he struggled.However, the coaching staff identified specific areas where he could improve this offseason."
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"“I had to learn to become a workout guy,” Robinson acknowledged, per the Florida Times-Union‘s Phillip Heilman. “I knew I had to get stronger. I never really had a problem working out, but I bought in more to the weight room because I knew what I had to get accomplished.”By identifying the need to address two key shortcomings, Robinson has a chance to realize his potential as an NFL left tackle."
Even if the Branden Albert drama didn’t unfold and Albert suited up for the team, I still believe Robinson would have challenged Albert for the starting role anyway.
I feel that the notion that Robinson “struggled” in his rookie season is a tad critical. Sure there were obvious growing pains adjusting to the next level, but Robinson played better than he was given credit for much of the season.
Now Jacksonville has added Andrew Norwell, who will be plugged in beside Robinson at the left guard position, and that duo could become a wrecking ball on the left side of the line.
Next: Jaguars lacking offensive firepower?
Cam Robinson started 15 games last season. That experience of being thrown in the fire should pay dividends for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who should get a more reformed and polished left tackle in year two. Robinson with a step forward should become a more common name on the list of young talent on the team in 2018.