With a reshaped offensive line unit, the Jacksonville Jaguars are embracing competition during OTAs.
The Jacksonville Jaguars reshaped the offensive line unit this offseason. Doing so included making six additions between free agency and the NFL draft.
The additions of Patrick Mekari, Robert Hainsey, Chuma Edoga, Fred Johnson, Wyatt Milum, and Jonah Monheim, bolsters the depth of this unit, the competition within it, and the overall versatility of this group as well.
If the Jaguars had to play a game this Sunday, Liam Coen would know who is starting five is going to consist of. But with a new offense being implemented, improved play needed, and Week 1 still several months away, the Jaguars have time on their side currently, which means leaning into the competition and versatility that are now key elements within this group.
Thursday’s OTA practice is a prime example of that, with Jaguars on SI’s John Shipley highlighting the numerous offensive line combinations that were utilized.
“Maybe the most shakeups on Thursday were along the offensive line, though,” wrote Shipley. “While we can not report on tactful information such as lineups, we can say the Jaguars threw out several different combinations with the starting and No. 2 offense, with very few spots seeming to be entrenched. The Jaguars are getting looks at guys all over the front.”
From the start, Coen has emphasized that the play of the Jaguars’ offensive line unit has to improve this season. Naturally, all eyes will be on Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars’ skill position players, but consistent success for any offense begins with the offensive line providing a run game to lean on and time in the pocket for the quarterback to operate.
In the early going of OTAs, Coen likes what he is seeing from the offensive line unit as a whole.
“From a communication standpoint, all five being on the same page, you can definitely see an intent behind what they’re trying to do,” Coen said after a recent OTA practice. “I think Shaun (Sarrett), and Keli’i (Kekuewa), and Trevor (Mendelson) have done a really nice job in that room, and I think the players have caught on in a lot of ways.”