Jaguars: Cam Robinson's suspension will impact NFL Draft approach
So much for positive vibes going into the 2023 NFL Draft for the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the news about a new contract extension for starting DL DaVon Hamilton sent good feelings throughout the fanbase, the following news felt like an unexpected slap in the face. Per John Shipley from Sports Illustrated's Jaguar Report, left tackle Cam […]
So much for positive vibes going into the 2023 NFL Draft for the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the news about a new contract extension for starting DL DaVon Hamilton sent good feelings throughout the fanbase, the following news felt like an unexpected slap in the face.
Per John Shipley from Sports Illustrated's Jaguar Report, left tackle Cam Robinson is being suspended by the league for violating the NFL performance-enhancing drug policy. Shipley's report indicates the amount of games Robinson is set to miss remains "undisclosed."
Obviously, it's a huge blow for the Jaguars' starting lineup. Robinson was expected to be the team's starting left tackle to begin the season with Walker Little taking over at right tackle following Jawaan Taylor's departure. But if Robinson isn't around, things are set to change.
How well-prepared the Jaguars are for the news is unclear. However, in the team's pre-draft press conference, GM Trent Baalke oddly replied to a question about Robinson's availability by the start of training camp, saying that "from a health standpoint, yes," he'd be ready to go. A few days later, the fact that he specified he was talking about health only suggests the front office was aware of the imminent suspension.
The question now becomes, how does the team want to move forward? Many will be quick to point out the fact that Little's play at left tackle toward the end of last season was impressive. However, if Robinson is set to miss a significant period of time, the Jaguars could be looking to draft a tight end as early as the 24th overall pick. That's a possibility, whether it's to have the potential rookie play on the right side or the left side.
Grinding the Mocks, a website that tries to predict the NFL Draft using thousands of mocks and data science projects the following OL to be drafted in the 20-30 range: guard O'Cyrus Torrence (Florida) and tackle Anton Harrison (Oklahoma).
It's difficult to see them pass on other valuable players but the team clearly needs help at offensive line. The first-round pick just got a whole lot more intriguing.
