Jaguars tag Cam Robinson again, clear path for pass rusher at No. 1

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The Jacksonville Jaguars used their franchise tag on left tackle Cam Robinson for the second straight year Tuesday, guaranteeing him $16.6 million in 2022 and potentially divulging their plans for the No. 1 pick in next month's NFL draft.

If Robinson signs the one-year tender, his salary would be fully guaranteed next season. The sides also could still work to reach a long-term deal.

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The former Alabama standout has started 61 games over five seasons since Jacksonville drafted him with the 34th overall pick in 2017. But he's been far from one of the league's best blind-side protectors.

Bringing him back was a surprise move considering the Jaguars drafted Stanford left tackle Walker Little with the 45th overall pick last year and had plans to pair him with quarterback Trevor Lawrence for the foreseeable future. Little started the final two games of the 2021 season and played well, leading some to believe Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke would move on from Robinson.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Tuesday, March 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

But with Robinson expected to sign the tender and return for another year, Little likely would compete with right tackle Jawaan Taylor on the opposite side. With Robinson, Little and Taylor expected in the fold, it's unlikely the Jags would draft Alabama's Evan Neal or North Carolina State's Iken Ekwonu with the top pick next month.

Instead, they're seemingly poised to go with a pass rusher — either Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson or Oregon's Kayvon