Jacksonville Jaguars C Brandon Linder makes cameo in recent OL ranking

In retrospect, there weren’t many difference-makers on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ roster last year. Former David Caldwell and then-head coach Doug Marrone deserved to be fired for sincerely thinking that they could compete with the kind of talent they had at hand. Undrafted running back James Robinson turned out to be a pleasant surprise and was one of the few playmakers the Jags had. Another bright spot in Jacksonville was center Brandon Linder, who recently made a cameo in a top ranking.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN has surveyed NFL coaches, executives, and players to find out the top players at all positions in the football field. He recently discussed the ten best interior linemen in the NFL. Among those that made the list were Cleveland Browns offensive guard Joel Bitonio, Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow, and Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Zach Martin.

Although Linder didn’t make the cut, an AFC scout told Linder the Jaguars center a very underrated player. He believes the veteran center possesses good athleticism and length. However, he thinks that he doesn’t get too much credit because he plays in Jacksonville.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a building block in Brandon Linder.

You won’t find many Jacksonville Jaguars players on many “top” lists. That’s why it was refreshing to see Myles Jack and Joe Schobert recently make Fowler’s linebacker rankings. Although Brandon Linder just missed the cut, the fact that he was mentioned among the best interior offensive linemen in the league is worth recognition. Also, the veteran made Pro Football Focus’ 2020 Pro Bowl team, so he hasn’t gone totally unnoticed.

The AFC scout Fowler cited is right. Linder won’t get more praise simply because he plays in Jacksonville. If he were in a bigger market, he would be recognized as one of the top centers in the NFL. The 2014 third-round pick has played his whole seven-year career with the Jaguars. In that span, he has never earned a Pro Bowl nod nor an All-Pro designation even though he has performed at an upper-echelon level.

Last season, he posted a PFF overall grade of 80.0 and allowed just four total pressures. Moreover, he has earned a PFF overall grade lower than 75.3 just one since 2014. On the other hand, he’s missed 14 games over the last three years. If he wants to strengthen his case for a Pro Bowl selection, he will need to stay healthy in 2021.

Even though the Jaguars are in rebuilding mode, Linder could have his best season yet. He told the local media during organized team activities that the organization is making sure players have everything they need to perform at the highest level. Thus, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the veteran center be even better in 2021.

The Jaguars are in better shape than they were last year. They made several upgrades to key position groups this offseason. Even if they don’t qualify for the playoffs in 2021, they should definitely be more competitive and keep games close more often, and Linder will be a big reason why.