5 Jacksonville Jaguars players who don’t get enough respect
![Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (18) at TIAA Bank Field. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fblackandteal-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F17479649-850x560-16bc21d0eabb024d2a85a65d2121daefae97f74162f5baad7d43d942861ba8be.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (18) at TIAA Bank Field. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]")
No. 4 Jaguars player who doesn’t get enough respect: Ben Bartch
Ben Bartch, Offensive Lineman. 78. player. 52. . .
You won’t find many people that are high on the Jaguars’ offensive line heading into the training camp. For proof, take a look at most power rankings and you won’t see them get a spot higher than No. 20. Heck, the group has even been seen as a potential weakness even though the team’s brass brought back left tackle Cam Robinson and inked Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff in free agency.
So why isn’t Jacksonville’s offensive line getting favorable reviews? Brandon Linder’s retirement is surely a reason, and so is the fact that they’re thrusting Ben Bartch into the starting lineup. The former St. John Johnny is set to fill the void at left guard Andrew Norwell left and it’s uncertain how he will fare in 2022.
In fairness, this writer has previously wondered if the Jaguars should have done more to bolster the left guard. Having said that, Bartch has gotten progressively better over the last two seasons and started 11 games last season. The coaching staff seems to be high on him and offensive line coach Phil Rauscher has spoken highly of him.
Also, it’s telling that the team’s brass opted not to bring anyone to compete with Bartch and it’s also possible that the national media’s perception of the Jaguars’ offensive line and Bartch doesn’t match the one inside the building.