Jacksonville Jaguars: Key Players Heading Into Contract Seasons

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Nov 27, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) and center Brandon Linder (65) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Brandon Linder started 14 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive line last season. Out of the group of linemen he was the best of the bunch and has earned his spot. As Sam Monso of Pro Football Focus states:

"Center Brandon Linder had an excellent season, which is particularly impressive given the play of the rest of the Jaguars’ O-line around him. Linder allowed 13 total QB pressures all season, pass blocking on 611 occasions, and was also one of the game’s best run-blocking centers with a PFF grade of 84.0 in that area"

Linder should continue to stay with the Jaguars after having a great 2016 season. This should be another player that is re-signed before the season ends to keep the quarterback on his feet. Linder is arguably the most consistent player on offense.

Aug 20, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (7) looks to throw under protection from Jaguars offensive lineman Patrick Omameh (77) during the third quarter of a football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Patrick Omameh will be entering his second year with the Jaguars this fall. After a fairly positive showing in the early part of the 2016 season, he was injured and found himself on injured reserve. Omameh has played both guard positions in his three-year career, notably the left guard for Jacksonville last season. In those three seasons he has played in forty games with thirty-two starts.

The guard will look to rebound from the injury to clinch a spot on the offensive line for more years to come. Omameh played particularly well in pass protection as noted by Pro Football Focus.

Omameh may not seem to be locked in long term with the Jaguars, but if he remains healthy he could. New acquisition Branden Albert should help improve the left side of the line. Management has already addressed their interest in keeping Blake on his feet.

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