Jaguars preseason: Luke Fortner named rookie to watch

Edge rusher Travon Walker has gotten the spotlight in recent days but he’s not the only member of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2022 draft class that could have an impact right off the bat. Center Luke Fortner has made strides in training camp and was named a rookie to watch in the preseason.

Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus recently put together a list of first-year players to watch in the preseason and Fortner made the cut. Renner points out that the former Kentucky Wildcat was the seventh-highest graded center in college football last season. On the other hand, he thinks that having a rookie center snap the ball to Trevor Lawrence could “be a little worrisome“.

"The Jaguars fielded a bottom-10 offensive line in the NFL last season, and their best player among the starting five, Brandon Linder, retired. A rookie being the man closest to franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence wil be a little worrisome. Fortner is a seasoned veteran though, at 24 years old with three years of starting experience. The Jags are baking on him playing like one out of the gate."

Fortner was the 65th overall pick in this year’s draft. He made 36 starts, 23 at right guard, and 13 at center, in college, so he definitely has experience.

Earlier this year, it looked like the Ohio native was going to compete with veteran Tyler Shatley for the starting job. However, he’s mostly practiced with the first team in training camp and seems to be the favorite to start in Week 1.

Jaguars C Luke Fortner is trending in the right direction

Brandon Linder was a mainstay of the Jaguars’ offensive line but the team’s brass has a plan to fill the void his retirement left earlier this year.

Fortner was one of the few Jaguars projected 2022 that suited up against the Las Vegas Raiders in the Hall-of-Fame game. Although he earned a PFF overall grade of 58.3, he posted a solid 75.1 mark in pass blocking.

So far, Fortner has gotten praise from the coaching staff. Doug Pederson called him “unbelievable” and offensive coordinator Press Taylor told the media Monday the center played fast against Las Vegas.

At this point, Fortner would have to really struggle to start the regular season on the sidelines. For the time being, it seems like the coaching staff will him learn on the job. He will surely have a few bumps and bruises along the way but the Jags are probably comfortable with that.