Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Linder could become the best center

Brandon Linder missed most of the 2015 season, depriving the Jacksonville Jaguars of their best offensive lineman for the season, but his new shift to center for 2016 could make all the difference.

The transition to center has been good so far for offensive lineman Brandon Linder (per the Jacksonville Jaguars team site). The former guard is getting the chance to become the starting center for the Jacksonville Jaguars, likely providing the most consistent force the Jags have had there since Brad Meester manned the position from 2003 to 2013.

Linder entered the 2015 season as the undisputed best player on the Jags’ offensive line. Even with only one season under his belt, Linder had proven he was more than worthy to play with the big boys. He was the Jags’ highlight of Pro Football Focus’ offensive line rankings and he also made the PFF Pro Bowl in his rookie season.

The talent was easily noticed and widely acknowledged and the future is only growing brighter. Unfortunately, Linder missed 13 games in 2015 due to injury. But he’ll be back at a new position moving forward and there’s no doubt he can deliver when on the field.

The Jags desperately need a reliable leader on the offensive line. As arguably the most talented player along the re-worked unit and now moving to center, Linder can be that man. He can become a real difference maker for arguably the most critical unit in professional football.

Prior to this week it was mostly speculation that the Jags would shift Linder over, but he’s been taking most of the first team reps so far through the offseason program, suggesting the shift will be permanent for the entire season.

As Jaguars.come senior writer John Oehser notes:

"The Jaguars’ belief in Linder is strong. The belief within the organization is Linder has the potential to be a long-term front-line player – perhaps even elite level – at the most important interior offensive-line position. The idea was to match strength with strength and solidify the center position for the foreseeable future."

More from Black and Teal

• Jacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdom
• Jaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect now
• Bold trade proposal has Jacksonville Jaguars shipping LT Cam Robinson
• Jaguars News: This division rival might be making a big move
• Former Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”

Brandon Linder has the potential for greatness. He has all the right tools and the mentality to become a top-level player and truly excel in comparison to his peers across the NFL.

He could make all the difference in the world, finally leading an offensive line unit to overcome earlier struggles that have helped lead to Blake Bortles being the most sacked quarterback in the NFL over the last two seasons. Linder will be leading a revamped unit that can provide the foundation for the Jags to finally push to win more than five games in a year.

It may sound like the expectations for an interior offensive lineman are too high, but in the NFL the trenches are where teams become exceptional or falter and fall short. Teams build with a strong foundation and the center role may be the most critical to get right for the sake of the entire team.

Brandon Linder looks to be the right man for the job.