3 burning questions about the Jacksonville Jaguars O-Line that must be addressed

The Jacksonville Jaguars were committed to fortifying their offensive line in 2022, giving left tackle Cam Robinson a multi-year deal and signing right guard Brandon Scherff in free agency. Looking back, the investment paid off, as Trevor Lawrence enjoyed optimal protection throughout most of the season.

Four of the five Jaguars starting offensive linemen from last year are set to come back in 2023, so there will be a certain level of continuity up front. However, there are three major questions the team’s brass will need to answer in the offseason.

3. Who will be the Jacksonville Jaguars left guard in 2023?

On the surface, this seems like an easy answer. Ben Bartch was their Week 1 starter last year but a knee injury cut his season short. The former St. John Johnny is set to return to the lineup in 2023 but the Jaguars could use their first-round pick on the position.

This might look like an odd decision given that offensive guard isn’t a need for the Jaguars this offseason. However, they could be in a position to pick Florida’s O’Cyrus Torrence at No. 24.

Cornerback and tight end are bigger needs than offensive guard for the Jaguars but general manager Trent Baalke said before last year’s draft that forcing a need sometimes leads to taking a lesser player. Thus, taking an offensive guard in the first or second round shouldn’t be ruled out if there’s a prospect worth taking in the first or even the second round.

Another reason the Jags could take a guard early in the draft is that Bartch is entering a contract year and if he doesn’t figure in the team’s future, they could start looking for his potential replacement one year before he hits the open market.