Jaguars LT Cam Robinson enters 2021 season with high expectations

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been very busy this offseason. First, they gave their coaching staff and front office a makeover. Then, they focused on adding depth and talent in free agency and they are currently getting ready for the 2021 NFL Draft. One of the most important decisions the Jags made was placing the franchise tag on Cam Robinson.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes Robinson is one of eight NFL players with the most to prove in 2021. He points out that the left tackle is 26 and will have the chance to get paid next offseason if he turns into the franchise left tackle this Jacksonville team expects him to be. Knox describes Robinson as a good-not-great player and adds that he’s never earned a Pro Bowl designation. Moreover, he brings up the fact the Alabama standout allowed five sacks and five penalties last year.

One thing Knox doesn’t mention is that last season wasn’t an outlier for Robinson but rather the norm. In every season he’s played all 16 games, he’s given up at least 40 pressures, and has never posted a Pro Football Focus grade higher than 63.4. Looking at the left tackle’s performance in the last four years, he has his work cut out and will need to make a significant leap in 2021 if he wants to be part of the Jaguars’ long-term vision.

Is Robinson the Jacksonville Jaguars player with the most to prove in 2021?

Looking at the Jaguars’ current roster, it’s hard not to agree Robinson has the most to prove in 2021. Cornerback Shaquill Griffin signed a three-year $44.5 million contract but he hasn’t been as inconsistent as Robinson. Veteran Sidney Jones also has to prove he can stay healthy but signed a modest one-year deal to stay with the team.

You could argue sophomores C.J. Henderson and K’Lavon Chaisson need to show they were worth a first-round selection in 2020 but they are barely entering their second year while Robinson just finished his fourth.

Also, the Jags could still add an offensive tackle early in 2021’s draft. This is a deep class and they could get a quality prospect with starting potential in the first two rounds or even in the third. Even if Jacksonville doesn’t take an offensive tackle in the draft, Robinson still has plenty to prove.

The Jaguars pass up the chance to sign Trent Williams or trade for Orlando Brown Jr. this offseason and instead chose to give Robinson opportunity to prove he’s the long-term solution at left tackle, will he seize it?