Maason Smith Provides Depth at Tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars

In the NFL, offensive line depth is a hidden cornerstone of sustained success—especially at tackle, where injuries to starters can derail an entire offense’s rhythm. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the addition of Maason Smith ahead of the 2024 season has addressed this critical need, turning a thin tackle group into one with reliable backup options that can step in without sacrificing performance. Maason Smith Provides Depth at Tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars is more than a roster update; it’s a strategic move to protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence and reinforce a running game led by Travis Etienne Jr.—two pillars of the Jaguars’ offense that rely on consistent blocking from the tackle position. Smith, a 6’5”, 320-pound second-year player, spent his rookie season on the Jaguars’ practice squad refining his technique. Now, he’s emerged as the primary backup to both left tackle Cam Robinson and right tackle Anton Harrison, giving the Jaguars a level of insurance they lacked in 2023, when injuries to Robinson forced them to start undrafted rookies in three games.

Maason Smith Provides Depth at Tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars is defined by Smith’s unique blend of size, strength, and adaptability—traits that make him effective at both left and right tackle, a rarity in a league where most backups specialize in one side. As a run-blocker, Smith uses his massive frame to create wide lanes for Etienne, driving defensive ends backward with powerful hand placement and consistent footwork. In preseason action, he graded out at 73.2 in run-blocking by Pro Football Focus (PFF), a mark that would have ranked among the top 25 backup tackles in the NFL last season. What sets Smith apart, though, is his improvement as a pass-blocker: after allowing 8 pressures in limited snaps as a rookie, he’s cut that number to 3 in 2024 preseason games, thanks to better knee bend and a quicker first step to mirror edge rushers. Jaguars offensive line coach Phil Rauscher has praised Smith’s work ethic, noting, “Maason doesn’t just show up to practice—he studies film of both Robinson and Harrison, learning their tendencies so he can step in and keep the offense rolling. That adaptability is gold for us.” Whether it’s filling in for Robinson on the blindside (protecting Lawrence’s left) or Harrison on the right, Smith has proven he can maintain the Jaguars’ blocking consistency—a key factor in keeping Lawrence upright and Etienne productive.

Maason Smith Provides Depth at Tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars is also a product of the Jaguars’ intentional development plan for young offensive linemen, which prioritizes practice reps and position flexibility. During his time on the practice squad in 2023, Smith didn’t just scout opponents—he worked one-on-one with Rauscher to fix technical flaws, such as overreaching on pass blocks and losing balance in run-blocking scenarios. He also spent hours studying film of NFL greats like Trent Williams and Lane Johnson, analyzing how they handle elite edge rushers and adjust to different defensive schemes. This preparation paid off in Week 3 of the 2024 preseason, when Smith replaced Harrison at right tackle in the second quarter and played 35 snaps without allowing a single pressure, even against Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie, who recorded 6 sacks in 2023. “That game was a turning point for Maason,” Rauscher said. “He stopped thinking about ‘not making mistakes’ and started thinking about ‘dominating his opponent’—and that’s when he became a reliable backup.” Smith’s development isn’t just about his own growth; it’s about the Jaguars building a pipeline of young linemen who can contribute now and potentially start in the future.

Maason Smith Provides Depth at Tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars has already had a tangible impact on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive consistency in the early stages of the 2024 season. In Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills, Robinson left the game in the third quarter with a minor ankle injury, forcing Smith to step in at left tackle with the Jaguars leading 17-14. Smith played 22 snaps, allowing zero pressures and helping the Jaguars run out the clock with a 10-play, 45-yard drive that ended in a field goal, extending the lead to 20-14. Without Smith’s steady play, the Jaguars could have collapsed under the Bills’ pass rush, which led the NFL in sacks in 2023. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense has also been more aggressive in short-yardage situations with Smith in the lineup: when he’s on the field, the Jaguars run the ball 63% of the time (up from 55% when starters are alone), trusting his ability to create push in the trenches. This flexibility lets head coach Doug Pederson design more balanced game plans, keeping defenses guessing instead of overcommitting to stop Etienne or Lawrence’s passing. For a Jaguars team aiming to win the AFC South, Smith’s presence means they don’t have to panic when injuries strike—they can keep their offense on track.

Maason Smith Provides Depth at Tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars also highlights Smith’s role as a mentor to even younger offensive linemen on the Jaguars’ roster, including undrafted rookie tackle Ryan Hayes. Despite being only a second-year player himself, Smith has taken Hayes under his wing, sharing the same tips and film study habits that helped him develop. He often stays after practice to run blocking drills with Hayes, focusing on hand placement and footwork, and invites him to join film sessions to break down opponents’ edge rushers. “Maason knows what it’s like to be the new guy fighting for a spot,” Hayes said. “He doesn’t hoard knowledge—he shares it, and that makes the whole offensive line better.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive line has long been a tight-knit group, with veterans like Robinson and center Luke Fortner setting a culture of teamwork, and Smith has embraced that culture fully. His willingness to mentor Hayes isn’t just about helping a teammate—it’s about strengthening the Jaguars’ depth even further, ensuring that if Smith ever needs to start, there’s a reliable backup behind him. This “next man up” mindset is critical in the NFL, where injuries are inevitable, and it’s a big reason the Jaguars’ offensive line has become one of the most consistent units in the AFC.

Maason Smith Provides Depth at Tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars concludes with the long-term value Smith brings to the Jaguars’ franchise, both as a current backup and a potential future starter. At just 23 years old, Smith has room to grow, and if he continues to improve his pass-blocking and consistency, he could eventually challenge for a starting spot—especially if Robinson or Harrison leaves in free agency. For the Jaguars, investing in Smith’s development is a low-risk, high-reward move: he’s under contract for three more seasons at a team-friendly salary, giving them stability at tackle for years to come. Beyond his on-field potential, Smith represents the Jaguars’ commitment to building through the draft and developing young talent—a strategy that has paid off with players like Lawrence and Etienne. Maason Smith Provides Depth at Tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars is more than a story about a backup tackle; it’s a story about how attention to detail in roster building can turn a weakness into a strength. As the 2024 season progresses, Smith will continue to be a quiet force for the Jaguars, stepping in when needed and ensuring that their offense remains one of the most dynamic in the NFL. For Jaguars fans, Smith’s presence is a reminder that championship teams aren’t just built with star players—they’re built with reliable backups who can execute when the game is on the line.