Previewing the ’10 Jaguars roster – The offensive line

The Jumbo formation

When the Jaguars had to run last year, they put in Jordan Black as the tight end. He wasn’t a tight end, he is a tackle or guard sent in for blocking. This was our jumbo formation. The question is, can Jordan Black play? He was Kansas City’s starting left tackle for all of 2006. In 2007 he was signed by Houston but didn’t see much action. He was released by Houston in June 2008 and in August, 2008 he had surgery to repair his right shoulder. In December 2008 he was signed by Jacksonville.  He received an extension of $3.65 million over three years on September 3, 2009. He played mostly after week 10 and more in the five games down the stretch, taking a total of 119 snaps last year.  He was only credited with one QB sack and one QB pressure.

Jordon Black is clearly someone they are keeping and working back into action.

Who are the players?

Clearly Eugene Monroe is a keeper at left tackle.

Eben Britton is a keeper, but maybe not at right tackle.  When a tackle fails, it is easier to move him into the interior. Eben was a junior coming out of college, so his development might improve and they might give him more time, but not much more. Either way, he is a keeper.

Vince Manuwai was coming off of a bad ACL tear and those injuries take a couple of years to really heal. In his prime, he was a top run blocking guard. The Jaguars are hoping he comes back strong, but only playing time will determine how healed he is. At 29 years old , he should have 4-5 good years left… we hope.

Uche Nwaneri is a mystery. He is still young and developing. His game has greatly improved over time and he can play center. In 2008, he was thrown into the carnage and was on the field for over 1,000 snaps and was credited with 6 QB sacks and 11 QB pressures. In 2009, he was on the field for over 900 snaps and was credited with 1 QB snap and 1 QB pressure.  He is a better pass blocker than run blocker which is why running to the right with Uche and Eben didn’t work.  I think the Jaguars like Uche and expect him to improve again.

Brad Meester has a lot of experience and holds the group together but his 2009 was consistently bad. Absolutely no run blocking ability. His game has fallen off badly.