Category: Cam Robinson

Why Jags should take Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs with No. 9 selection

Our draft mind, Daniel Griffis, says Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs is the route to go for the Jags at pick No. 9.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have had offensive line issues for about as long as I can remember. The team has put a ton of resources into the line and the group has yet to perform to their expectations. Cam Robinson (albeit coming off an ACL tear) disappointed at left tackle, and for that reason, Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs should be the Jags’ first selection of the draft.

Wirfs primarily played right tackle for the Iowa Hawkeyes, due to his teammate, Alaric Jackson, feeling more comfortable on the left side. When Jackson went down to injury, Wirfs slid right in and performed admirably. Wirfs is the best athlete I’ve evaluated at the position and he brings solid power to go with it. He can be beaten inside to counter moves on occasions, however, he, along with Mekhi Becton, has the highest ceiling among an outstanding tackle class.

If the team decides to withhold from drafting a tackle with the No. 9 pick, it doesn’t make sense to draft one at No. 20, 42, or 73 either. The reason Wirfs is a great fit at No. 9 is that he gives the Jaguars the best shot to upgrade the second most important position on offense. At a later pick, the player likely wouldn’t provide that same value. The team would benefit more by drafting a starter at corner, defensive tackle, safety, or running back instead with those later selections.

If a team can upgrade at a key position like left tackle, it’s an opportunity that is hard to pass up. Wirfs is one of the better offensive tackles to come out in years and he could become a true cornerstone piece for this franchise.

Otherwise, CeeDee Lamb and Derrick Brown also make a ton of sense and are elite players at some other positions of need. The team has a lot of options at No. 9. It will be fun to see what general manager Dave Caldwell decides to do with two first-round picks and a plethora of Day 3 selections that could come into play at any point this weekend.

Poll: Is it time for the Jags to move Cam Robinson to guard?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a wide variety of needs heading into the 2020 offseason and general manager Dave Caldwell will need to use his resources wisely if the Jags are to turn their fortunes around next season. Amongst the top of his list of …

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a wide variety of needs heading into the 2020 offseason and general manager Dave Caldwell will need to use his resources wisely if the Jags are to turn their fortunes around next season. Amongst the top of his list of priorities should be the offensive line, which Pro Football Focus listed as the No. 26 ranked unit in the league.

When getting down to the areas in which the team may want to make changes at, most fans will point to both guard spots held by Andrew Norwell and A.J. Cann, where both haven’t been overly impressive. After that most would easily say Cam Robinson hasn’t lived up to the expectations of a second-round pick either and has struggled from a technique standpoint. That said, some feel an opportunity on the inside could be just what the doctor ordered for the young left tackle, despite him never playing the position.

It’s unclear what the team’s plans are at the moment, but with so many needs Caldwell could look into killing two birds with one stone this April. By drafting one of the draft’s tops options like Andrew Thomas (Georgia), Austin Jackson (USC), and Trey Adams (Washington) at left tackle, the Jags would have the option to kick Robinson in at a position where help is desperately needed.

On the other hand, the Jags could just let Robinson remain at left tackle if they feel his best days are ahead of him at the position. After all, he was coming off an ACL tear from 2018 and the staff could feel like 2019 will be better for him.

For those of you who are sitting at home, we’d like to hear your insight. Is it time for Robinson to change positions?

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Jaguars come in at No. 26 spot on PFF’s regular season OL rankings

Without a shadow of a doubt, most Jacksonville Jaguars fans would like to see the team address the offensive line to some degree this offseason. Despite the resources Dave Caldwell and company put into the position with high draft picks and steep …

Without a shadow of a doubt, most Jacksonville Jaguars fans would like to see the team address the offensive line to some degree this offseason. Despite the resources Dave Caldwell and company put into the position with high draft picks and steep contracts, things haven’t quite panned out for the group and it’s hard to envision the team not making any changes within the unit.

The data recently accumulated by Pro Football Focus in 2019 further validates that changes are needed and will likely in the trenches as the Jags finished the regular season with the No. 26 ranked offensive line. According to them, a key reason behind their struggles were partly due to Cam Robinson, who had a rough season though it’s worth noting he was coming off a 2018 ACL tear.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars

After returning from an injury-shortened second season, left tackle Cam Robinson showed more of the form that we saw from him as a rookie when he posted one of the worst pressure rates allowed in the NFL (9.0%). This season, Robinson allowed 45 pressures at left tackle in 552 pass-blocking snaps for a slightly improved — yet, still concerning — rate of 8.2%. As this ranking would suggest, Robinson wasn’t the only player along the line who struggled. Outside of Brandon Linder, there wasn’t a whole lot to get excited about for Jacksonville up front.

According to PFF, Robinson accumulated a grade of 54.8, a total tied for the worse amongst the whole starting offensive line with A.J. Cann. Simply put, that’s not good for someone who the Jags selected in the second-round and hoped could become their franchise player on the blindside. Add in the fact that he was tied for fifth in penalties in the league with 10, and it’s possible the Jags may look for new options at left tackle despite Robinson being young.

However, the young left tackle has been far from the only issue within the unit.

The Jags made Andrew Norwell the highest-paid guard in football temporarily but he hasn’t looked close to the player we saw dominate with the Carolina Panthers. As previously mentioned, the Jags’ other guard in Cann, didn’t really look any better either.

As for the positives with the unit, rookie right tackle Jawaan Taylor had a rough start to his career, too, accumulating the second-highest penalty total in the league (15), but at least came on strong towards the end of the season and cleaned up several issues. As mentioned by PFF above, Brandon Linder was the unit’s most encouraging player accumulating a score of 75.7. While it’s worth noting he had 10 penalties on the season, too, he did enough to keep his job in 2020. 

When considering all the data above, Linder and Taylor are the two that will be a part of the offensive line without question in 2020. However, the left and right guard spots, as well as the left tackle spot, should definitely be evaluated for upgrades. They could also use a new positions coach, too, though George Warhop has only had a year with them.

If the Jags attack the needs of the unit right this offseason, they could put a respectable product on the field, and maybe even get back to the level of play fans saw in 2017. With a lot of draft capital by their sides, maybe the draft will provide a starter or two, which would be huge in a crucial year for Caldwell and Marrone.

Chargers vs. Jaguars: 3 causes for concern against Los Angeles

There are a lot of concerns for the Jags heading into Week 14, but the pass rushing duo of Bosa and Ingram should be atop the list.

The Jacksonville Jaguars 2019 season has been a forgettable one and most fans have been anticipating its end. The Los Angeles Chargers’ season has been equally disappointing, however, most tend to think they have a better chance to win Sunday’s game between them and the Jags.

With a 7-3 all-time record against the Jags and a better overall team than Jacksonville, there are several concerns we have here at Jags Wire for Week 14’s game. Here are three of our biggest concerns as they will look to end a four-game skid this Sunday:

Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Chargers pass rushing duo of Nick Bosa and Melvin Ingram

The Jags will be up against one of the fiercest passing defenses in football as the Chargers only allow an average of 199.3 passing yards a game. That’s good for fourth in the league, which means the Jags could struggle to find guys like DJ Chark Jr. and Dede Westbrook through the air.

Part of the reason for that is because of the dynamic duo they have as pass rushers in Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa, both of whom have grades of 77.9 and 86.2, respectively, via Pro Football Focus. The two will enter Sunday’s game with a combined total of 14 sacks and will be looking to get after rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew II.

The most concerning part about going up against the Chargers pass rush is how Cam Robinson is playing at the moment as he hasn’t been overly impressive. Jawaan Taylor could also have issues against the dynamic pair as he’s had issues with penalties and leads the league in the category with 13.

This issue brings me to my next topic of concern.

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3 Jaguars to watch on offense vs. Bucs

Two teams desperate for a win square off. Here are three players on offense to watch as the Jaguars square off with Tampa Bay.

This week the Jacksonville Jaguars will take the field against one of their two Floridian rivals in the Tampa Bay Bucs. Both teams will enter the game with their own respective issues and identical records of 4-7. With that being the case, the question on everyone’s mind is which struggling team will come out on top and could it inspire some confidence into these troubled franchises?

Here are three players on offense to watch as the Jaguars square off with Tampa Bay:

OT Cam Robinson

The offensive line of Jacksonville may in fact determine the fate of the game. The Bucs bring NFL sack leader Shaq Barrett and monster run-stuffer Vita Vea to face off against the ailing Jaguar front line.

Look for Cam Robinson to set the tone early. Robinson has the talent to be one of the best young tackles in the NFL, but has struggled at times this season. Him and our next entry on the list will be counted on heavily to keep Nick Foles safe and to open up lanes for running back Leonard Fournette.

The offense’s success starts and stops with the offensive line. The Jaguars are counting on Robinson to develop into their franchise tackle. A big game Sunday against one of the NFL’s best pass rushers could go a long way towards proving he is the blind side tackle of the future.

OT Jawaan Taylor

Taylor’s situation is very similar to that of Robinson. The team will be counting heavily on these two to protect Foles from the Bucs’ defensive front seven. The argument could be made that Taylor has been the Jaguars’ best offensive lineman this season, despite his struggles with holding penalties. The start to his NFL career is certainly promising and fans hope to see Taylor have success against Barrett.

According to Pro Football Focus, Jawaan Taylor is currently graded out as the second best rookie offensive tackle with a grade of 62.3. That’s certainly not bad for a player who just celebrated his 22nd birthday this past week. His pass-blocking grade of 67.2 also ranks second among all rookies.

Look for Taylor to have a big day against one of the NFL’s best. Thus far into his career, the Jaguars look to have found their future right tackle. Now it all just needs to come together.

QB Nick Foles

I’m not sure there is anyone in the NFL who needs a big game more than quarterback Nick Foles. With the memories of Minshew Mania still fresh in the minds of Jags fans, Foles’ struggles have been even more frustrating for those who have invested their time into the team.

To put it lightly, Foles’ starts since returning from collarbone surgery have been lackluster. Fans are already calling for the benching of the Jaguars 88-million dollar quarterback. If Foles is to quiet the masses, he will need to get the stagnant Jaguars’ offense rolling in a big way. Another blowout is not acceptable.

Foles has all the pieces to be successful (aside from tight end). Receiver DJ Chark Jr. has had a fantastic season and Fournette is playing some of his best ball. With such weapons, there is little excuse for the offense to get off to a slow start.

With two struggling teams with drastically different identities, which Florida team ends up on top? We’ll know that later Sunday afternoon.

Jags have close to full participation in practice Thursday

The Jags had all but two players participate in their practice session Thursday in TE Seth DeValve and Dede Westbrook.

The Jacksonville Jaguars only had two players to sit out of practice Thursday for their upcoming game against the Tennessee Titans in tight end Seth DeValve (oblique) and receiver Dede Westbrook (illness), who was a new addition to the injury report. Aside from those two every player on the injury report participated to some capacity.

Receivers D.J. Chark Jr. (hamstring) and Chris Conley (hamstring) and nickelback D.J. Hayden (hip/wrist) were the three players from Wednesday’s injury report who were upgraded from limited to full participation. Safety Ronnie Harrison (eye) and offensive tackle Cam Robinson (knee) also were full participants.

Veterans Calais Campbell (back) and Brandon Linder (shoulder) were the only two limited participants on Thursday’s report. Both were on last week’s injury reports for the same injuries but were able to play in Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.

WR DJ Chark amongst several players to surface on injury report after battle with Colts

Two of the Jags’ top receivers have found themselves on the injury report after Week 11’s loss to the Colts.

The Jacksonville Jaguars had just one player on their final injury report for Week 11 but exited the game with some new injuries to deal with. Receivers DJ Chark and Chris Conley seemingly were amongst those players who sustained injuries during the Jags’ last game against the Indianapolis Colts as both surfaced on the team’s first injury report for Week 12 with hamstring injuries. Despite their injuries, however, both players were limited.

Joining Chark and Conley as limited participants were nickelback D.J. Hayden (hip/wrist), center Brandon Linder (shoulder) and defensive lineman Calais Campbell (back). All three were on Week 11’s injury report as well, however, Hayden was on the report with a different injury (neck/shoulder).

Offensive tackle Cam Robinson (knee) and safety Ronnie Harrison (eye) were full participants Wednesday after surfacing on the injury report with the same injuries they had on Week 11’s report.

The Jags’ lone non-participant who surfaced on Wednesday’s injury report was tight end Seth DeValve (oblique), who was the only player on Week 11’s final injury report and missed last Sunday’s game.

Jags vs. Colts: 5 matchups to watch in Sunday’s AFC South showdown

Myles Jack is going to have his hands full with Marlon Mack but that’s just one of many key matches to watch when the Jags and Colts meet.

The preparations for Sunday’s AFC South battle are now behind the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts and all that is left to do is take the field and see who the better team is. With it being a divisional game in which both teams feel is a must-win, the battle is going to come down to a few key matchups. Here are five matchups that we’ll be watching as both teams duke it out at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday:

LB Myles Jack vs. RB Marlon Mack

Marlon Mack will enter Sunday’s game as one of the Colts’ top weapons, while the Jags’ defense will enter it ranked 22nd against the run. They’ve had several blunders against the run as fans witnessed against the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans (Week 9). In both of those games, they allowed over 200 rushing yards, which can’t happen against Marlon Mack, who is the league’s ninth leading rusher with 753 yards.

With the Colts ruling two of their speedster receivers out in T.Y. Hilton and Paris Campbell, they might elect to run the ball more than they ever have this year. It will then fall on Myles Jack as the defense’s enforcer at linebacker to make sure Mack doesn’t get out of hand. The Jags’ defense will need to be fundamentally sound, too, by not allowing a lot of broken tackles which Mack is good at taking advantage of.

DL Calais Campbell vs. OG Quenton Nelson

As we witnessed last year, there are going to be times where the Colts’ best offensive lineman, Quenton Nelson, lines up against the Jags’ best defensive lineman in Calais Campbell. The veteran had some success against Nelson last season, who was then a rookie, but he’s a significantly better player this year, upping his Pro Football Focus grade from a 74.3 in 2018 to an 89.4 this season.

As previously stated, the Colts could look to run the ball and Nelson is a big part of what makes them successful there, so it will be imperative for Campbell to keep him from reaching the second level. Campbell and company also need to win against Nelson during passing downs as Jacoby Brissett has shown the tendency to hold on to the ball too long in the past.

CB Tre Herndon vs. WR Zach Pascal

The Colts may be without Hilton and Campbell Sunday but that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have threats through the air. In fact, Zach Pascal statistically has 13 less receiving yards than Hilton, who leads the team in receiving with 360 yards. He also has on less touchdown than Hilton, who has five. That said, with a 75.0 PFF grade to his name, he’ll be the Colts’ best receiver on the outside Sunday.

Like most opponents have, the Colts will likely target Tre Herndon early and often and will likely target him when he and Pascal are lined up against each other. It’s on Herndon on whether or not he’ll be up for the task as he’s had some highs and lows since the Jags traded Jalen Ramsey.

RB Leonard Fournette vs. LB Darius Leonard

We’ll call this one the Battle of the Leonards.

As we’ve said multiple times, fans should expect a physical one in between the tackles. With Leonard Fournette only receiving 11 carries Week 9 against the Houston Texans, coordinator John DeFilippo should be looking to get him more involved Sunday because he’s the engine for the Jags’ offense.

Meanwhile, Darius Leonard is viewed in the same light for the Colts’ defense. He’s been a tackling machine, accumulating 10 or more tackles in four of the games he’s played in. Simply put, that points to him being very active if Fournette receives more than 20 carries as he should.

WR D.J. Chark Jr. vs. CB Kenny Moore II 

This matchup is simply a battle between the Jags’ best receiver and the Colts’ best corner who will see a lot of each other Sunday. Chark has emerged as the Jags’ best receiver this year and is one of the league’s most improved players with just under 700 yards to his name for six touchdowns. With Nick Foles returning to the lineup, the two could be looking to link up deep as they did for the Jags’ first touchdown of the year.

Moore seems to be an improved player, too. He currently has a PFF grade of 73.1 and has been good for the Colts’ passing defense which is tenth against the pass. However, at 5-foot-9, Moore will be at a height disadvantage against the 6-foot-4 Chark when they line up against each other, which could set the second-year player up for another 100-yard day.

Jags list 3 players as limited on initial injury report for Week 11

The Jags had full participation Wednesday as they prepare the the Colts.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars released their first injury report since returning from their bye week Wednesday and every player participated in practice. However, there were three players who were limited in defensive lineman Calais Campbell, center Brandon Linder (shoulder) and offensive tackle Cam Robinson (knee).

Wednesday marked the first time in which Linder and Campbell surfaced on the injury report for their respective injuries, but both  could be precautionary measures. As for Robinson, he was sideline for half of the preseason after recovering from a left ACL tear from 2018. He also hyper-extended his right knee in early September, however, with him being limited it appears the injury he’s listed for isn’t severe.

Receiver Dede Westbrook and nickelback D.J. Hayden were full participants Wednesday with neck/shoulder injuries. Meanwhile, linebackers Leon Jacobs and Quincy Williams also had the same status with hamstring injuries.