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OL's suspension could force Jags to change draft strategy
Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) tears up after an apparent injury as quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) pats him on the head. Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

Cam Robinson's suspension could force Jaguars to change draft strategy

The Jacksonville Jaguars may have to change their draft plans following the news that left tackle Cam Robinson is facing a PED suspension.

According to Sports Illustrated's John Shipley, Robinson will be suspended for an undisclosed amount of games to begin the 2023 season for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. After signing a three-year, $54 million extension last offseason, the 27-year-old played in 14 games before suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2022.

Per the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy, using steroids, stimulants or HGH can result in a suspension of up to six games. Field Yates of ESPN noted that the suspension will cost Robinson $888,888 for each game missed.

Jacksonville holds the 24th overall pick in Thursday's first round and appeared to have been targeting a cornerback after its defense allowed the sixth-most passing yards last season (4,258). But after losing starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor in free agency and with Robinson's looming suspension, it may have to draft an offensive lineman. 

There could be a potential dilemma, however, as Jacksonville appears to have not delved as deeply into this year's offensive line prospects as with the cornerbacks. Six cornerback prospects took top 30 visits with the team compared to just two linemen, Appalachian State's Cooper Hodges and Pitt's Carter Warren, neither of whom is projected as a first-round pick.

Oddsmakers anticipate Robinson's suspension to impact the Jaguars' draft strategy directly. OddsChecker lists the offensive line as the favorite to be Jacksonville's position of first draft pick (+110). The unit had the third-shortest odds on Wednesday, behind cornerback and defensive linemen. 

With the announcement put on GM Trent Baalke just before the draft, it'll be intriguing to see how he approaches the first round. Oklahoma's Anton Harrison or Ohio State's Dawand Jones are two linemen who could be available, but perhaps Baalke opts to trade back.

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