3 Jaguars whose potential replacements may be drafted in 2022
By Adam Laviano
The Jacksonville Jaguars have done a lot of work on the roster so far this offseason, bringing in eight free agents and spending more than any other team in free agency. They appear to be gearing up to compete right away with the arrival of reinforcements on both sides of the ball.
The decision-makers in Jacksonville may also have an eye on the future seeking to find replacements for some key starters in this year’s draft. In particular, these three Jaguars may have their future replacements drafted this year.
No. 1 Jaguars player whose replacement can be drafted – Cam Robinson.
This one might become more likely if they cannot work out a long-term deal before the draft or have any hope that one will come to fruition. Cam Robinson has been tagged for the second year, so the front office recognizes his capability as a starting left tackle but may not want to commit to paying him like one over a long-term deal.
It is hard to imagine Robinson being thrilled about playing on the tag for the second consecutive year but he has signed it anyways. There was a lot of talk about the likelihood of the team moving on from the Alabama product last year when the Jags drafted Walker Little in the second round. Walker played admirably when called upon last year but apparently did not show enough for the Jags to feel comfortable moving on from Robinson.
The front office may value Robinson a lot more than Little for all we know or they could be trying to work on a trade for the veteran left tackle if they believe there is a market for one. The new coaching staff could also plan on keeping Robinson in at left tackle while having Little compete with penalty-prone Jawaan Taylor at right tackle.
There is uncertainty surrounding the future plans for Robinson and the Jags could draft his eventual replacement with one of their first two picks. Many observers view both Alabama’s Evan Neal and North Carolina State’s Icky Ekwonu as prospects capable of playing the left tackle position at a high level in the NFL. Jacksonville could take either one and have him play guard for a year if Robinson does end up playing on the tag.