Jaguars' offensive line could benefit from free agency

One of the major areas of concern for the Jaguars as they head into free agency and this year's draft is the state of their offensive line, which surrendered sacks all season long in 2012. The good news is that the draft and free agency both offer them routes to upgrade one of their weakest units, and even though general manager David Caldwell wants to build through the draft, don't be surprised if the Jaguars use free agency to bolster their spotty offensive line.

The Jaguars need upgrades throughout their offensive line, but most importantly, they need someone to play opposite Eugene Monroe. There are a number of offensive tackles that the Jaguars could either sign or draft. Whichever route they decide to go, it would be a wise position to spend money on. If the Jaguars are still committed to Blaine Gabbert, protecting him in the pocket is essential to developing him as an NFL quarterback.

In the free agent market, Andre Smith of the Bengals jumps out as a guy the Jaguars could look to bring in. Bringing in Smith would likely mean that Monroe would be moved to right tackle, but that's not a huge concern. The Jaguars are likely more concerned with bringing in the best offensive linemen they can, and if that means moving current linemen around, so be it.

Smith is still young, and he could help the Jaguars provide stability in pass protection as more than just a stop-gap lineman.

There are a number of other offensive linemen, especially tackles, that won't demand the high dollar figure that Smith will, and the Jaguars may go that route instead of spending big on one free agent. Still, it seems that if the Jaguars spent big on one player, it would be an offensive lineman to help build up a unit that could finally protect its passer. The prospect of brining in Andre Smith, or another solid offensive tackle, may be wishful thinking, but it would free up the Jaguars to go in a different direction in the draft.