Austin

Pasztor

Pasztor has visited with multiple teams but has yet to sign since getting released from the Falcons at final cuts. He should eventually land a swing tackle role.

The undrafted rookie’s fall from graces was swift. Elliott dropped two passes (and arguably a third) while committing a penalty against the Jets last week. He had tumbled to sixth receiver in Wednesday’s practice. Jordan Shipley is locked into the No. 3 role. The Jags promoted OL Austin Pasztor from the practice squad to take Elliott’s roster spot.

Pasztor was just signed from the practice squad this week, but he’ll step in the lineup for Eben Britton. Britton was absolutely destroyed in pass protection last week while filling in for Mike Brewster (broken hand), who is now on injured reserve. Pasztor is listed at 6-foot-7, 308 pounds. He started four years at Virginia before being taken in the first round of the 2012 CFL Draft. Pasztor opted not to sign with the Edmonton Eskimos and opened the season with Jacksonville’s practice squad.

No. 2 overall pick Luke Joeckel will move to his more natural position of left tackle with Monroe now out of the picture. The Jaguars acquired 2014 fourth- and fifth-round picks from the Ravens in exchange for Monroe. Pasztor started three games at left guard last season. He held up reasonably well, but playing the outside is much different than the inside obviously. Cameron Bradfield will also be in the mix for the right tackle job in Jacksonville.

Following the Eugene Monroe trade, Pasztor was inserted into the starting lineup. Rookie Luke Joeckel shifted to left tackle before breaking his ankle. Pasztor, 23, started the final 12 games of the season. Pro Football Focus gave him an above-average grade as a pass blocker, but he was obliterated as a run blocker. The Jaguars seem content with Pasztor and Joeckel. Caldwell has bigger issues to address this offseason.

Pasztor was one of the top free agents remaining. He started all 16 games for the Browns at right tackle last year, but can also play the interior. Pasztor figures to open the season in a swing role.

The Falcons are fully healthy going into Sunday night’s game.

Jacksonville has three O-Line starters set, with Pasztor bookending LT Luke Joeckel, and LG Zane Beadles acquired in free agency. Their line needs are at center and right guard. Pasztor, 23, made 12 starts on the right side last year, excelling in pass protection but getting tossed around in the running game.

Pasztor missed the majority of OTAs and minicamp recovering from shoulder surgery. He was a starter from Week 5 on last season and will bookend LT Luke Joeckel. Third-round rookie Brandon Linder is the favorite for snaps next to Pasztor at right guard.

Pasztor injured his labrum in early December, but it didn’t cause him to miss any games or practices. He decided to get it repaired after the season and is expected to be fine for training camp. Pasztor is locked in as the starting right tackle, bookending Luke Joeckel.