As the draft draws closer, many continue to believe the Jaguars will use the No. 1 pick on an edge rusher. While there are a pair of offensive line prospects who could also be in consideration, the presence of left tackle Cam Robinson could turn their attention away from the likes of Evan Neal or Ikem Ekwonu. 
[RELATED: Jaguars Considering Four Prospects At No. 1]
Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline reports that “the Jags are close to signing [Robinson] to a long-term extension”. The 26-year-old was franchise tagged for the second time last month, guaranteeing that he would be in Jacksonville for at least the 2022 campaign. He has started all 61 games he has played in across five seasons in Duval County.
His level of play during that span, however, left many believing the tag would be a short-term move to buy time for a replacement. His 67.4 PFF grade in 2021 ranked 48th out of 83 qualifying tackles, far lower than where his compensation ranks at the position. The $16.6MM value of the tag would put him in a tie for eighth in terms of left tackle salaries, if he were to remain unsigned beyond 2022.
Pauline further states that “an announcement could come soon” regarding a new deal for Robinson. If that were to happen, it would give the team more certainty along an offensive line which has added All-Pro guard Brandon Scherff this offseason. It would also increase the chances of either Aidan Hutchinson or Travon Walker hearing their name called first on Thursday even further.
You go on being you, Jaguars. Let the rest of us try to make sense, you just do what feels right to you.
Clown suits & noses will be ready for the 1st home game.
Is Taylor good enough to keep at RT and not take Neal? Their biggest need is to keep Lawrence upright for the next 4 years. And is their DL so bad they need to take one 1st overall or can they fill out the defense holes in later rounds or just sign Clowney?
I think they have more hope for Walker Little at this point.
And 1:1 should be about finding a cornerstone star than filling a need.
I think there’s a few teams with Neal as #1 on their board tho. It’s a toss up this year Top-4/5.
Yeah, that’d another story. If you think Neal is an Ogden, by all means go for that. I certainly wouldn’t be locking down Robinson.
I agree with your premise Oooof, I am just not certain that there is a cornerstone star in this draft class. The safe move for Jacksonville may be to select Neal or Okwanu to protect their cornerstone star Lawrence.
I get that. What I don’t get is most of their moves so far this offseason.
Agreed. They have been head scratching at best, awful at worst.
He had photos or something on the Khans.
If they don’t take a T at 1, they are basically risking their Franchise QB health. The top Edge guys wouldn’t be so high in a better draft. Only KT has the upside you want with the top 3 selection. Neal should be their guy & find a DE at round 2. It’s really that simple. The next tier of T are far worse than then the next tier of DE from their draft position.
I agree. It would be borderline negligent if the Jags don’t go offensive line with their first pick IMO… unless they trade down, which they likely want to but probably can’t find a partner willing to give up enough to make it worthwhile.