ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler constructed his annual list of the top interior offensive linemen, and not included were any members of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Last year’s starters were Ezra Cleveland at left guard, Robert Hainsey at center, and Patrick Mekari at right guard.
What makes Fowler’s rankings unique is that they are constructed with the input of 70 NFL execs, coaches, and scouts as the voters. Other elements, such as research, interviews, and film analysis by Matt Bowen, factor in as well.
With all of that taken into account, Fowler then puts together the top 10, highlights a few honorable mentions, and notes which players received votes.
Cleveland, Hainsey, and Mekari didn’t appear in any category.
Jaguars‘ performance last season along the interior offensive line
As a collective offensive line unit last season, the Jaguars ranked ninth in ESPN’s pass-block win rate metric. Leading the interior offensive line group was Cleveland, who ranked 46th out of 124 eligible guards and centers in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric. Hainsey ranked 57th and Mekari was tied for 97th.
The run game, however, is where the Jaguars’ offensive line unit must improve this season. As good as the offense was during the second half last season, moving the ball on the ground often didn’t come easily.
Being more effective in the run game will help take the entire offense to another level.
Cleveland, Hainsey, and Mekari are expected to start again for the Jaguars, but one potential positional battle that could emerge is at right tackle, with Wyatt Milum possibly pushing Mekari for snaps.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: NFL talent evaluators leave Jaguars 3 interior OL off top rankings
