Jaguars can find future left tackle in Cincinnati’s James Hudson

Once new Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer was hired, he wasted no time maintaining the offensive front. Each starter from Jacksonville’s 2020 offensive line returns to the team in 2021. A.J. Cann, Brandon Linder, and Jawaan Taylor’s status remain the same as last season.

Starting guard Andrew Norwell’s contract was restructured to provide cap relief for the Black and Teal. Starting left tackle Cam Robinson received the team’s franchise tag this offseason. As Robinson enters his fifth season, 2021 will be a pivotal year in determining his fate with the team. He is undoubtedly the starter for Jacksonville’s upcoming season, barring injury.

However, the Jaguars possess plenty of draft capital to invest in a player at the position that they could feel more confident in moving forward. Reluctantly, there is a player from the University of Cincinnati that the Jags could both feel confident in and potentially be the solution at left tackle should they not be all in on Robinson.

The Jaguars should target James Hudson to be their left tackle

When you think of a prototypical offensive tackle in today’s NFL, what do you think of? Do you think of a human being that possesses a large physical frame? Or do you think of a player with extreme arm length to ward off edge defenders? Maybe, you think of an individual with incredible power instead.

Regardless, if any of those thoughts or questions crossed your mind, know that they all accurately describe Cincinnati offensive tackle, James Hudson. However, all of those traits described Hudson on the ball’s defensive side before becoming a Bearcat. He was originally a four-star defensive line recruit at the University of Michigan before transferring to Cincinnati.

Ultimately, he had a major transition in school and position, but he has shown growth each year and was a pivotal piece of Cincinnati’s 2020 collegiate football success.

Not only does he bear the ability to be an efficient run blocker, but James’ 6’4″ frame combined with his athleticism also makes him a problem for even the best of opposing pass rushers.

Had the former Toledo, Ohio native played offensive tackle for longer, he may have been a first-round pick in this month’s NFL draft. However, he will be a developmental starter strictly due to a lack of experience at the position.

The Jaguars should not hesitate to target him in the late second or third round of the draft. Hudson is a player that has starter potential written all over him and would be an incredible value to the Jaguars organization for years to come.