The Jacksonville Jaguars have lost nine consecutive games, and with the recent influx of injuries to both sides of the ball, the rest of 2020 isn’t promising either. While the young offensive weapons have been encouraging and the offensive line has generally been solid, many of the team’s other areas have been quite underwhelming.
Every unit within the offensive has shown positive signs, for the most part, even the offensive line. While both have been injured, Andrew Norwell and Brandon Linder have been a promising duo in 2020 after a lackluster 2019 season. Right guard A.J. Cann has also paved the way for rookie ball-carrier James Robinson, who is on his way to breaking the all time record set for an undrafted free agent.
The tackle play, while not stellar, has been mostly reliable. Jawaan Taylor has struggled in parts, but he’s still a young right tackle who deserves more time to put it together. Meanwhile, left tackle Cam Robinson has put together a 2020 season that could give the front office something to think about during a contract year. However, with a new regime possibly on the way, his time in Jacksonville is uncertain though it may be wiser to keep him.
While left tackles can be expensive, Robinson likely won’t command top dollar. That doesn’t mean he’ll be inexpensive with average left tackles making decent salaries, too.
That said, the Jaguars have to ask themselves where between the $30 million to $50 million guaranteed range (approximately) they would like to pay him, or they could franchise him. If they go with a contract extension, they would have to wait and see if their offer is one that Robinson likes, or would he simply press his luck in free agency.
If they do decide to move on from the former second-round pick, one Notre Dame prospect may be just the guy to replace him. That player is Fighting Irish left tackle, Liam Eichenberg.
Eichenberg entered the 2020 college football season as one of the draft’s more intriguing prospects. Notre Dame has been a factory for offensive line prospects, and most figured Eichenberg was next in line. His projection was in the late Day 2 to early Day 3 range initially heading into 2020, but a fantastic season has him in the conversation to possibly be a first-rounder.
Eichenberg isn’t the most physically imposing or athletic tackle in the class, that’s more of what scouts are high on Christian Darrisaw and Sam Cosmi for. However, his combination of polish and consistency has rocketed him up draft boards and helped propel Notre Dame to an undefeated record.
It was recently announced that Eichenberg accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, a tryout for the draft’s top senior prospects. This, of course, excited the all-star game’s director, Jim Nagy, who praised Eichenberg’s potential.
It’s a deep class but we’d put @NDFootball OT Liam Eichenberg’s tape up against any OL in this class. Doesn’t get the hype of some others but @LiamEichenberg will be a high-end starter for a decade-plus at the next level. Another huge get for 2021 @seniorbowl! https://t.co/hq9uzWWIz4
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) November 20, 2020
It isn’t just Nagy who’s been impressed by Eichenberg. The Draft Network’s Jordan Reid also noticed Eichenberg’s improved play this season.
#NotreDame OT Liam Eichenberg (LT #74) with the key second level block that helps spring the 65-yard TD run. pic.twitter.com/jgnVDma4S7
— Jordan Reid (@JReidNFL) November 8, 2020
Eichenberg has been a bulldozer in the run game in 2020, showing tremendous power and ability to get upfield to help open up running lanes in the second level, as seen in the play above.
Speaking of tremendous power, just take a look at this block against North Carolina. Eichenberg seemed to almost get bored with the rusher as he proceeded to block him with just one arm for a good portion of the play.
Check out ND OT Liam Eichenberg on this play (#74). Dude blocks this UNC pass rusher with one hand through half this rep. He's a monster. Would be so happy if he becomes a Steeler.
(📹: @CDonnick3)pic.twitter.com/SEWD8d05FA
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) November 28, 2020
Eichenberg likely isn’t going to be one of the top selections or a top-5 tackle in the league, but it certainly shouldn’t be ruled out for him to become a reliable option in the NFL. His efficiency at the position could allow him to step in right away and produce as a rookie.
If the Jaguars do opt to move on from Robinson, look for Eichenberg to be a player the Jaguars keep close tabs on as we get closer to late April. He might just be in play as a late first-rounder to early second-rounder.