The Jacksonville Jaguars have a few needs to address and with the 2023 NFL Draft just mere hours away, it would be a good idea to see which ones they should prioritize. I previously made the case for the Jags to upgrade their pass rush. Next up is offensive tackles, and there has been some significant change this offseason with a key loss and a not-insignificant addition.
Cam Robinson is currently the Jaguars' starting left tackle and is arguably the top player on the offensive line in terms of both talent and total compensation. The former Alabama standout is heading into the second year of a three-year contract extension, although the team does have the option to release him after this season with a $5 million cap hit.
Even though Robinson most likely will remain at left tackle this season, there have been a couple of ideas floating around concerning the team’s top pass protector. One is to move him to right tackle, which would allow Walker Little to slide into the left tackle role as the full-time starter.
This idea may have some merit. However, it's unlikely to happen due primarily to the fact that Robinson has never played on the right. The second option is to draft or sign a starting right tackle and then trade Robinson, which would pave the way for Walker Little to take over as the starter on the left. This option might be gaining a little steam, but I will get to that more in a moment.
Don't forget about Jacksonville Jaguars OT Walker Little
Walker Little is entering his third year with the Jaguars after being drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He has served as the “swing tackle” during that time after competing with Jawaan Taylor for the starting job at right tackle last offseason.
However, after Robinson went down in week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys, Little stepped into the starting role on the left and continued through the remainder of the regular season, as well as two games in the postseason. His performance during that time is what has led to so much discussion about how to get him into the starting left tackle spot permanently.
Robinson likely has some pretty decent trade value, so replacing him with Little and finding a new swing tackle might be a great move from a value standpoint.
The Jaguars must fill the void at RT after letting Jawaan Taylor leave
Jawaan Taylor has been the Jaguars starting right tackle for the last four seasons after being drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. However, he was allowed to test free agency this offseason and ended up signing a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs to take over at left tackle. This has left a void on the right side that could be filled by Walker Little, but based on what we’ve seen, he appears to be a significantly better fit on the left.
Enter Josh Wells, the Jaguars' most recent addition to their offensive line. Wells is a former undrafted free agent signing of the Jacksonville Jaguars back in the 2014 offseason who they recently re-signed. He remained on the roster through the end of the 2018 season. He then joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earning a Super Bowl ring in the process.
Wells is credited with seven starts last season, all coming on the right side, and garnering a positive grade from Pro Football Focus. This crucial addition to the roster really gives the team flexibility to put together the best line possible between Robinson, Little, Wells, and possibly a draft pick in the first round.
What are the offensive tackle options for the Jacksonville Jaguars in Round 1?
While left tackle isn’t really a strength of this draft class, there are quite a few options for teams looking for a right tackle or swing tackle who can eventually move into a starting role later. First among those who may be available to the Jaguars with the 24th overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft is Anton Harrison out of Oklahoma.
Allowing just four sacks in three seasons at left tackle, Harrison has the hand technique and footwork to be successful on either side. He’s a little on the lighter side and it shows in power situations, but that can easily be remedied over the course of his first season in an NFL weight room (and cafeteria). He could easily be the Jaguars new swing tackle next season and then compete with Wells for the starting job on the right in 2024.
Another great rookie option is Broderick Jones, who spent three seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs. While he played 438 snaps as a backup tackle in 2021, the 2022 season was his only year as a full-time starter. He has a strong base and loves to finish blocks, which would be a good fit for right tackle despite having primarily played on the left in college. Jones is another great option for the Jaguars given their need for a player who can potentially start on the right but has the flexibility to play either side.
The third option we’ll look at is a unique, but fun prospect to evaluate. Dawand Jones is a two-year starter at right tackle for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He stands at 6’8” and weighs 374 pounds with arms that measured 36 ⅜ inches long, giving him the longest wingspan in Senior Bowl history. This is a mountain of a man who led all FBS tackles with just a 1.3% pressure rate, which included not allowing a single QB sack or hit on 394 pass-blocking snaps.
Jones isn't a swing tackle, but he would be the Day 1 starter on the right side. Normally first round tackles aren't expected to play on the right, but given how late the Jaguars are picking, not to mention the proliferation of the passing game in the modern NFL, it is easy to justify a right tackle of Dawand Jones' stature at this pick.
There are quite a few variables the Jaguars will need to consider when assessing the best path forward for the offensive line, but the 2023 NFL Draft offers them a lot of options in the first round. We will have to wait and see whether or not they decide to target that position group early.