Uche Nwaneri: 9th Most Overvalued Guard in 2012
By Luke Sims
Sep 30, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars guard Uche Nwaneri (77) before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Everbank Field. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
It seems that Pro Football Focus’ numbers continually keep putting Jaguars players as some of the most overvalued players from 2012. After a 2-14 season, that is to be expected. Once again, the Jaguars manage to land an offensive lineman on the list. Considering that the Jaguars allowed over 50 sacks this season, it shouldn’t be shocking to see that O-linemen are overvalued by the Jags.
Uche Nwaneri did not score well in PFF’s Performance Based Value measurement. The statistic measures a player’s output in comparison to his salary and that of the players at his position. Coming in as the ninth most overvalued guard in the league, Nwaneri may be surprising for some Jags fans. Considered one of the better offensive linemen on the Jaguar roster, Nwaneri did struggle during pass protection. Which is precisely what PFF notes:
"Nwaneri played in 15 games this year, battling ankle and knee issues for most of the time before missing the season finale with a concussion. Nwaneri’s +5.4 run blocking grade was seventh-best among right guards for 2012. However he struggled in the passing game, allowing five sacks and 29 total pressures on the season, ranking 41st in our Pass Blocking Efficiency rating out of 50 guards."
The Jags are looking for upgrades at left guard and right tackle to play in the line with LT Eugene Monroe, Center Brad Meester (the team seems to be working on a deal with him), and right guard Nwaneri. Even if they fill the massive voids at left guard and right tackle, it may be prudent for the Jaguars to begin looking for upgrades at right guard too if the play doesn’t improve. Keep in mind that Performance Based Value is not indicative of future performance, so Nwaneri could very well rebound and have a great 2013.
– Luke N. Sims
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