Pre Draft Position Breakdown: Offensive Line

It's become clear that everyone is getting tired of all of the pre-draft speculation so I figured it would be a good time to take a step back and look at the more tangible parts of the Jaguars right now. With the team for all intents and purposes done in free agency, we can take a look at how each unit holds up heading into the draft.
The first unit we'll take a look at is the offensive line. Besides WR, no unit went through more retooling in 2009 than the O-line. The Jaguars started two rookies at the tackle spots, and had Uche Nwaneri at guard. On paper, the results weren't exactly what the Jaguars would want. David Garrard was sacked 42 times last year and there were several times last year when the team couldn't get the necessary push in short yardage situations.
The interior of the offensive line was a major weakness for the team. Brad Meester and Vince Manuwai, previously rocks of consistency for the team, were let down by age and injuries.
However, as the year drove along, things began to improve at some areas. Most notably was the play of LT Eugene Monroe. After an inconsistent start to the season that included low points at San Francisco and Indianapolis, Monroe began to show why he was the eight pick in the 2009 draft. He stonewalled Dwight Freeney in their rematch in Week 15 and began to develop the mean streak necessary to play run blocking. In short, he began to show the promise of begin an elite left tackle and cornerstone of the Jaguars offensive line.
His rookie teammate Eben Britton did not fair quite as well across the way at right tackle.
For those of you who may not be familiar with this chart, it's a track of his performance according to Pro Football Focus. While Britton had a short burst of playing well in the middle of the season, it's clear he struggled for the most part in his rookie year. Perhaps he just needs this offseason to get into the groove of things and this baptism by fire will have paid off. However, it's clear why some people are suggesting the Jaguars look to grab another RT and kick Eben to guard.
Uche Nwaneri was statistically the Jaguars best player on the line. After sitting and playing in reserve roles for two years, the third year player finally broke into the starting lineup and played very well. He didn't allow any sacks, the only player on the line who managed that feat. He wasn't the best supporting the running game, but if he continues to improve, that will change.
By far the most disappointing player for the Jaguars last year was Brad Meester. After being a model of consistency for 10 years at center, Meester ended up being ranked 33rd in the NFL at center according to PFF. Considering there are only 32 starting centers in the NFL, that's Jamarcus Russell bad at the position. It's clear that we have another sad case of a good player who's mind knows what's going on, but his body can't react fast enough anymore. The failed 4th down conversion in the Miami game is all you need to know about the state of Brad Meester.
Not far behind Meester was guard Vince Manuwai. Before this year, Manuwai was seemingly the heir apparent to Fred Taylor's title of the Jaguar screwed out of the most Pro Bowls because he plays in Jacksonville. However, the injuries he suffered in 2008 continued to have their affects on him in 2009. His ACL injury may need two years to fully recover, and if so, he'll need to show he's 100% back in 2010.
Draft Solutions
The Jaguars had scouts at both Florida and Idaho's Pro Days. No surprise that the Jaguars were looking at Idaho guard Mike Iupati and Florida C/G Maurkice Pauncey. While both players aren't worth the #10 pick, they become options if the Jaguars get a good enough offer to trade down into the middle of the first round. Either would help the Jaguars by allowing the team to move Uche to Center and giving an excellent youth core on the line.
Another possibility is to take Anthony Davis or another tackle, put them at right tackle, and then kick Eben Britton to guard.
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Comments
I would prefer to let Britton really get estabilished at RT, he will get better. Then get Puncey in the Draft, work him into the line, and by the end of the year have Pouncey estabilished at RG, then Nwaneri at C wuth Meester the back-up, and maybe get the other Pouncey next year for LG
Waber-Jaguar
Thanks, John, for some real analysis.
I’m not worried about Britton. Rookies will be rookies. I’m sure this year will be more consistently good. Drafting a RT that high doesn’t make much sense unless you’re a left-handed team. It’d be much better to get a G or C later in the first round or later.
In Gene We Trust.
by MoveThoseChains on Mar 18, 2010 1:52 PM EDT reply actions
Hah, maybe it's due to the fact I keep picturing all the enemies in God of War 3 are Tim Tebow ;)
by Jonathan Loesche on Mar 18, 2010 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions
He is a demi god
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
Driver of the "Cut Reggie Nelson" Bandwagon.
Winner of the 2010 Chad Pennington Award
by TheTealDeal on Mar 20, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Without a second round pick and seemingly under the gun to take Tebow what kind of flexibility do you have?
Is a lot of the Jaguar draft talk predicated on trading down from # 10?
trading down from the 10 spot to acquire more picks is what Gene Smith said he would like to happen. with him at the draft day helm, i don’t foresee the Jaguars being under-the-gun to pick TT or anyone else for that matter. Stick to BAP. If you dont think the #10 spot will give you the value you’d pay out, then trade down and stock up
Sean Jax Beach Bum
Well
Our offensive line is young and learning. Give Britton another chance at tackle but that doesnt mean we cant draft a quality offensive lineman this year. Sadly, Meester needs to be replaced.
thats why my hat’s in the ring for Pouncey in the 1st if Berry or Spiller can’t be grabbed
Waber-Jaguar
I would love to get pouncey
even if its a small reach at maybe 20-32 (Last first)
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
Driver of the "Cut Reggie Nelson" Bandwagon.
Winner of the 2010 Chad Pennington Award
by TheTealDeal on Mar 20, 2010 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I still say
Uche doesn’t make for a great center. He could pass an average center, but the offensive line will never be elite with him there. The line does have a good chance of being elite if he’s at guard though. Uche is a big power guy. And the center position is a finesse position that takes intelligence, quickness, agility, speed into stance, consistency and timing. Uche is improving his football aptitude and he’s fairly agile for a guard, but he doesn’t have the other qualities I mentioned in comparison to the elite centers in the league.
what do you think of maurKice, ewdtrey?… i kinda like the guy if we trade back in the mid 20’s or later…
Sean Jax Beach Bum
I don't know enough about him
to really make a good assessment. However, I don’t think he’s as good as the top 2 or 3 centers from last years crop. Meaning I don’t think he’s worth a 1st round pick. Someone will reach for him however because this years crop of centers is so weak/thin.
Not addressed to me, but...
I never really noticed him at UF, and for an offensive lineman, that’s a good thing. I only notice individuals when they are getting beat like a drum by the defense. So I’d probably say he’s worth a low 1st/high 2nd.
In Gene We Trust.
by MoveThoseChains on Mar 18, 2010 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions
agree
No news is the best news for a OLiner
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
Driver of the "Cut Reggie Nelson" Bandwagon.
Winner of the 2010 Chad Pennington Award
by TheTealDeal on Mar 20, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Unless your a LT or C
It seems LT’s and C’s are getting some recognition nowadays, if they are elite.

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