Cam Robinson should be monster for Jaguars if he plays up to potential

This offseason, solidifying the offensive line has been a priority for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Adding offensive tackle Cam Robinson with the No. 34 overall selection in the 2017 NFL draft, Jacksonville looks to build a high-powered offense by continuing to build up front.

The Jaguars traded away a sixth-round selection to go up one spot and insure that Robinson would be theirs.

Robinson’s collegiate résumé is arguably the best among any player in this year’s draft class. While at Alabama, the offensive tackle was the epitome of durability, starting in all 43 games of his career. With a unanimous All-America decoration last season, the highly decorated tackle was a key cog for the Crimson Tide’s offense, which led the SEC in scoring.

Yet, there are still the nagging balance and consistency issues, concerns about which position he might be best suited, and the whispers that he might be overrated.

The Jaguars ignored those issues, concerns and whispers.

At 6’6, 322 pounds, Robinson is virtually the prototype at left tackle. His durability, lineage (nine former Crimson Tide offensive linemen are currently on NFL rosters) and traits suggest the tackle could potentially stick around in the NFL for a long time.

Big Mauler

It might be cliché, but considering Robinson’s frame, strength and impact on the field, “big mauler” is an especially fitting term. The tackle’s arms (35.5 inches) measure in the 88th percentile among players at his position, and his hands (10.5 inches) rank in the 78th, per Mock Draftable. Robinson’s reach gives him massive power and push against defensive linemen — he has a killer punch and can lay into opponents when making blocks downfield.

While he didn’t perform in the bench press at the NFL Combine, Robinson’s strength is evident on film. Robinson’s massive upper body is complemented by tremendous lower body strength, which gives him drive as a run blocker and a strong anchor in pass protection.

It’s Robinson’s frame and strength which make him such an effective and versatile player — the tackle’s effectiveness as a mauler is likely one of the bigger reasons for his being drafted so high in the second round.

Motor

Robinson’s best college tape came against some of the toughest competition, which is telling.

“If you’re going against a guy you know who’s a great player,” Robinson said per Sports Illustrated, “as a natural competitor it brings out the best in anybody.”

Naturally, the former Alabama tackle played some of his best football against No. 1 pick Myles Garrett last year, but he also excelled against several other SEC opponents who could be entering the NFL in the near future.

The lineman was arrested on a marijuana charge and illegal possession of stolen firearms during the summer of 2016. The case was dropped shortly after Robinson was charged.

On the field, the tackle has a major issue with balance, often times finding himself on the ground after plays due to his tendency to lean into defenders. Also, his technique needs to be tweaked. Opponents were able to take advantage of Robinson if they were able to time the snap count because the Alabama tackle’s footwork would get sloppy when lacking a proper first step. Robinson has a good deep drop, but it leaves him susceptible to inside moves.

The question persists - as a three-year starter in Tuscaloosa, how much did Robinson actually improve?

Robinson’s biggest challenge in the NFL will likely come against quicker, smaller edge defenders.

The Jaguars added Leonard Fournette in the first round, but finding running room for the new addition is still a concern. Trading for Branden Albert earlier in the offseason gave the team a new lineman to work with, and now Robinson gives the team a future at the left tackle spot.

Where Robinson fits in the immediate remains to be seen, but his best fit could be at guard while Albert handles left tackle and Jermey Parnell plays at right tackle. Eventually Robinson could take over at either spot.