As training camp nears for the Jacksonville Jaguars, we're going to break down the most interesting positional battles that will take place in camp and the preseason. Between starting positions and depth spots, there will be interesting battles up and down the roster. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars have what appears to be one of the rising offenses in the NFL.  With playmakers galore and a star in the making in Trevor Lawrence, the sky could be the limit for the Jags on the offensive side of the ball. 

However, the word "could" comes into play because of one relative uncertainty: the play of the offensive line, and especially at the tackle spots.  With starting LT Cam Robinson suspended for the first four games, the Jaguars will start the season with a new look at both positions.  

Who will man those spots, and what will the depth look like behind them?  

Offensive tackle candidates

Anton Harrison

The first-round pick of the Jaguars in 2023, Harrison projects to play on the right side.  The imposing rookie out of Oklahoma has the size and speed to continue what he was able to do in college: keep his quarterback clean. 

Given the importance of protecting their franchise quarterback, the draft investment made, and his skillset, Harrison should end up as the team's starting right tackle when the team takes the field in Indianapolis for the season opener. 

Walker Little

Little may not have a lot of starting experience – 8 starts including the playoffs over the last 2 years – but he performed solidly when his number was called after Cam Robinson missed the later part of the season with a knee injury. 

Little should start the season as the team's left tackle.  The question becomes: does he stay there in Week 5 when Cam Robinson returns?  If he continues to elevate his play from where he ended 2022 and the offense is working, then the coaching staff might have a legitimate conundrum. 

Cam Robinson

Robinson is the x-factor here for the entire line.  The Jaguars signed him to a whopping 3-year, $54 million extension last offseason, and he started every game until suffering a knee injury late in the season against Dallas. 

Suspended right before the draft this offseason for violating the league's rules against performance-enhancing substances, it was later revealed that his suspension would be for only 4 games (he was facing up to an 8-game ban).  As such, he will be eligible to return against Buffalo in London in Week 5.  

The question then begs: does he step right back in and start? He's got a higher ceiling than Little, but they say "if it isn't broken, don't fix it" for a reason.  The job could be Little's…if he excels and makes himself untouchable. 

Josh Wells

The former Jaguar is back after serving as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ swing tackle, where he protected Tom Brady in the 2021-2022 playoffs after Tristan Wirfs went down injured.  

He should have a legitimate chance at that same position this fall.  Much depends on what happens with the Little/Robinson situation.  If Robinson retakes his spot, then Little – unless he absolutely fizzles out in the first four weeks – likely serves as the team's primary swing tackle.  

But Wells can and has played both sides and that flexibility and his experience should land him a spot on the 53-man roster. 

The Rest: Coy Cronk, Cole Van Lanen

There may be one more tackle spot up for grabs – at least for the first four weeks.  Robinson will start the season on the reserve/suspended list, which does not count against the 53-man roster.  As such, the Jaguars may start the season with 9 offensive lineman (which they’ve done on multiple occasions in recent years) and carry a second tackle behind Harrison, Little, and Wells.

It's tough to see who would emerge from this battle right now between Cronk and Van Lanen, but with Robinson out for at least a month, it's a chance for one of these players to make an active NFL roster, and those battles for back-end roster spots can be as intense and fun to watch in camp as those for the starting positions.  

Regardless, whoever prevails will likely be headed to the practice squad when Week 5 rolls around and Robinson returns. 

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In short, it seems as though the top three offensive tackle positions for the start of camp are pretty likely – Harrison at right tackle, Little at left tackle, and Wells as swing tackle.  When Robinson gets back, then either him or Little (likely Robinson) will man the left side, Harrison the right, and Wells and either Robinson or Little (likely Little) will serve as backups. 

However, as the Jaguars saw last year with two starters lost for the season on the offensive line, the injury bug can strike anywhere – and often – so the importance of having quality reserves and practice squad options cannot be overstated. 

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Featured image via Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK