Rookie OT Cam Robinson set for bigger role after Albert retires

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie offensive lineman Cam Robinson could be in line for a much bigger role than expected with Branden Albert’s retirement…

When the Jacksonville Jaguars traded for Branden Albert and drafted Cam Robinson earlier this offseason, it appeared as though they had a solution for their left tackle position, both for the present and future.

That all changed when Albert opted for retirement instead of playing in Jacksonville, thrusting the rookie Robinson into a role perhaps even he didn’t expect in his first NFL season.

Robinson has been working at left tackle for the Jaguars this offseason, and that’s great news now, considering he will likely be the opening day starter for the Jaguars at one of the most critical positions.

The Jags have long been searching for a solution at left tackle, just recently giving up on former high draft pick Luke Joeckel, who signed with Seattle this offseason.

Robinson had some flaws at Alabama, including off-field issues early on that needed to be addressed in pre-draft interviews. Mainly, the issues for Robinson were whether or not he could pass protect in the NFL, because we all know and have seen his ability to be an absolute monster in the running game.

So far, onlookers at Jaguars training camp have been impressed by Robinson.

I'm more impressed than I expected to be with Cam Robinson. Great feet. It's only been a few practices, but looks better to me than Albert.
— Frank Frangie (@Frank_Frangie) July 30, 2017

Cam Robinson just did very very well against Dante Fowler in two one on one reps. #Jaguars
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 31, 2017

There have been both up and down moments for Robinson early on in training camp, which isn’t a surprise at all. There are going to be those kinds of moments for every rookie at any position, but they will now be magnified given that he’s now being thrust into such a prominent role on a team that has expectations of breaking out in 2017.

As badly as the Jaguars have struggled offensively in recent years, the retirement of Branden Albert probably wasn’t received as the greatest news ever. They needed to put together the best possible group of 11 guys they could find, and having a veteran presence like that — despite his decline in play in recent years — was something they were looking forward enough that they were willing to trade Julius Thomas to get it.

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Now, they have the complete opposite of a veteran presence. They have a rookie who is going to have to learn on the go, and make quick adjustments. Robinson is obviously very naturally gifted athletically, but the mental side of the game is where he needs to be a very quick study.

He will now be the focus of every defensive coordinators game plan, figuring out ways to attack the young lineman and make him work as hard as possible.

Having Doug Marrone in Jacksonville certainly helps in countering that, and having some proven veterans at guard and center also help.

Finding consistency in pass protection will be critical for Robinson, who hadn’t proven he could do that at Alabama. He’ll get to go up against some very talented defensive linemen in Jacksonville daily who will help bring him along.

This will be a very interesting situation to monitor as the season progresses.

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