Cam Robinson – Offensive Tackle – Alabama
The Jets’ offensive tackle situation leaves quite a bit to be desired. Maccagnan traded with the Denver Broncos for Ryan Clady last offseason after the sudden retirement of long-time Jet D’Brickashaw Ferguson, pairing him with incumbent Breno Giacomini as the edge protectors of the Jets’ offensive line.Neither starter has done very well this season and, on top of that, they’ve both been injured throughout the year, leaving second-stringers Brent Qvale and Ben Ijalana to take over – and they haven’t shown they were ready for those roles.
Cam Robinson has a chance to cement himself in as part of a stretch of great offensive lineman to come out of Alabama in recent years. He’s been selected as a finalist for the 2016 Outland Trophy, given to the nation’s most outstanding interior lineman, making him about as much of a lock to be an NFL superstar as is possible for a college prospect.
The junior has protected the blindside for his quarterbacks in each of his 40 career games – all starts – with the university. Robinson has also been the highest rated member of a line for ‘Bama that anchors the SEC‘s top scoring offense, allowing their backs to rush for nearly 250 yards/game, good for second in the conference.
His presence, along with center Nick Mangold and improving guards James Carpenter and Brian Winters, would make the Jets’ offensive line very stout. Protection will undoubtedly be a key in 2017, especially considering that the Jets are likely to have a young quarterback at the helm, barring an unforeseen trade or free agent signing.
