What if Jalen Ramsey is Gone at No.5, Part 3: Offensive Tackle

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It is highly likely that the Jaguars are targeting Jalen Ramsey with the fifth overall pick in the 2016 Draft, but what if he is gone? Here are some options at offensive tackle.

By Zach Weeks

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The Jaguars have struggled for many years on the offensive line, particularly in pass protection. It must be stated though that our offensive line has improved as a unit, but it never hurts to add much needed depth at the offensive tackle position. Luke Joeckel has not panned out as a first round draft pick and when injured the Jags are forced to use Sam Young, who is not a long term option at a position as important as left tackle. While most would agree that it is highly unlikely that the Jaguars draft an offensive lineman in the first round, it could be a wise decision, as they have struggled greatly to protect their young signal caller, Blake Bortles. Here are the best available options that would be considered good picks at fifth overall in the draft.

Laremy Tunsil - Ole Miss

Tunsil is the number one rated offensive tackle prospect and would be the obvious offensive line choice for the Jaguars to select if Jalen Ramsey isn’t available. Laremy is a three-year starter at left tackle at Ole Miss and only allowed two sacks in 28 games, which is very impressive considering the defensive lineman he was facing. On the other hand, Tunsil never played a full season at Ole Miss due to injuries and also was hit with an NCAA suspension for using a loaner car given to him by a local Mississippi dealership while his car was in the shop.  If The Ole Miss product can stay on the field, he has a natural talent for the position. He has great balance, intuitive instincts, and quick feet, which are valuable intangibles at his position. If for some reason Tunsil slips down in the draft he could be a starter at the position for the Jaguars in the very near future.

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Ronnie Stanley - Notre Dame

Ronnie Stanley, an offensive tackle out of Notre Dame, is projected by most scouts to go in the top ten in this years NFL draft. Tunsil is expected to go in the first couple of picks making Stanley a realistic option if the Jaguars want to improve their offensive line in the first round. Stanley already has the body type, quickness and hands required to excel at left tackle at the next level, but in the opinion of some experts, is still raw in some skill sets. Like many young tackles, he sometimes plays too high and will need to keep his pad level lower to play against speed rushers in the NFL. This is somewhat reminiscent of Luke Joeckel and may be a risky draft pick.

Free Agents:

If the Jaguars do end up selecting Jalen Ramsey with the fifth overall pick (it seems more likely everyday), the Jaguars will need to build depth on the offensive line through free agency. Generation Jaguar has previously shed some insight on some potential guys that the Jaguars could add on the interior, players like Alex Mack from Cleveland.  While this will most assuredly help improve our o-line, we will likely pursue some guys to help out on the outside where we have struggled on both sides. Jeremy Parnell, who was brought in last year to help our run game, has been a liability in pass protection and although Joeckel has improved, he is inconsistent and does not provide the kind of protection the Jags had hoped for when they drafted him with the second overall pick. Let’s take a look at some offensive tackles that will be available this year in free agency. 

Russell Okung (SEA)(LT)
Cordy Glenn (BUF)(LT)
Kelvin Beachum (PIT)(LT)
Andre Smith (CIN)(RT)​

​Russell Okung has an interesting free agency ahead of him. He has parted ways from his agent and intends to brave free agency by himself. He recently sent emails to all 32 NFL teams which shows that he is comfortable with moving teams and it will likely take a record breaking left tackle contract to reel him in. Cordy Glenn and Kelvin Beachum are less likely to leave their current teams, but once again I think they could be swayed with enough money. Andre Smith is an interesting prospective free agent at right tackle because of his fit in the Jaguars scheme, plus he was a part of a very successful Bengals offensive line.  Interestingly, Smith would probably be willing to part with the Bengals and could quickly improve the Jaguars offensive line.

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