Jaguars Free Agent Profile: Kevin Zeitler

A look at guard Kevin Zeitler from Cincinnati who is set to be a free agent at the start of the new league year. 

By Jordan de Lugo

Overview: Kevin Zeitler is a 26 year old right guard that has played his entire five year career with the Bengals. The 6'4'' 320 lb. offensive lineman was drafted in the first round of the 2012 draft out of Wisconsin. Since joining the Bengals Zeitler has developed into a better player every year and made his first Pro Bowl in 2016. He is widely viewed as one of, if not the best, offensive lineman that is slated to hit the free agent market in March.

Pros: Zeitler is coming off of his best season as a pro. He won't turn 30 for three more off seasons, so there should be at least five years of good football left in the tank for Zeitler. There's really a lot to like here. He shows the strength and physicality to easily manhandle blitzing linebackers and at times can even man handle some of the most physically dominant players in the game such as Sheldon Richardson of the Jets. Part of what allows him to dominate the interior is his elite strength, but his hand use is the real key - he is able to keep lineman away from his body with his quick, violent hands. While he has the strength to hold up against the beasts inside, has also has the quick feet to get to the second level of the defense when run blocking and shows the agility to pull with ease. Zeitler shows incredible awareness and rarely misses an assignment.

Cons: With one of the best guards in football there really isn't a whole lot not to like. At times he can be overwhelmed by speed rushes, but that can be said about almost every interior lineman. Exotic fronts too can give Zeitler a bit of a hard time, but once again that can happen to anyone. 

A fit for the Jaguars? Absolutely! Zeitler plays right guard, a position the Jaguars greatly struggled with in 2016. If the Jaguars acquire Zeitler they can plug and play him no matter what blocking scheme the elect to use in 2016. While the Jaguars offensive line was a bit of a weakness in 2016 and a major weakness in the years prior, if the Jaguars are able to acquire Zeitler to plug in next to Pro Bowl caliber center Brandon Linder that would be a big step towards fixing the running game in Duval. Zeitler will cost a pretty penny, but the Jaguars have several pretty pennies to let go of (about $66 million as of now) and should be more than willing to fork over the cash to beef up the offensive line. After all, the new EVP of Football Ops. Tom Coughlin said the Jaguars would be focusing on the line of scrimmage - what better way to start then by trading for former Pro Bowl left tackle Branden Albert and acquiring a 2016 Pro Bowler at right guard in Kevin Zeitler? 

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