The Jacksonville Jaguars just traded away four-year veteran center Luke Fortner in a sudden, splash trade with the New Orleans Saints, only hours after playing them in week 2 of the preseason.
While the move was clearly about shoring up a middling defensive line with the acquisition of two-time Super Bowl-winning defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, it also spoke volumes about their belief in rookie center Jonah Monheim.
Related: Biggest winners and losers from Jaguars trade for Khalen Saunders
Grant Udinski sings Jonah Monheim's praises
During a recent presser after practice, Grant Udinski elaborated on why losing a veteran like Fortner was doable, pointing to the play of rookie Jonah Monheim. The Jaguars offensive coordinator claimed that the former USC Trojan brought "added depth on the offensive line, which is always huge."
He continued, "You know, you're never...comfortable with [your depth], but it gives you a little bit more sense of security knowing that he can fill in at roles inside, whether it's guard or center. What he's shown, not only from a mental standpoint, but a physical standpoint, has been encouraging."
Related: Jaguars' revolving door at RT offers sudden depth-chart twist ahead of Saints game
From USC to Jacksonville: Jonah Monheim is turning heads
Despite being a Day 3 selection—at pick 221 during the seventh round—Jonah Monheim had a stellar collegiate career. During his four years as a USC Trojan, he played 52 games with 46 starts, displaying the exact versatility Udinski praised: 18 games at right tackle, 12 at left tackle, 12 at center, and 4 times at right guard. The rookie even has a tackle to his name.
He earned multiple awards during his time at USC, including All-Big Ten Third Team, AP All-Pac-12 Second Team, Phil Steele All-Pac-12 Fourth Team, and an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention. He helped the Trojan offensive line unit be selected as a Joe Moore Award Semifinalist, and he played a key role blocking for Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams' outstanding performance in 2022.
Jonah Monheim is looking to "explore" Jacksonville's finer things—like its food trucks
Jonah Monheim recently told local WJXT 4 Sports News that he was "looking forward to exploring more and trying new things." By "new things," he, of course, meant food. Monheim managed to talk about his love of food for a full minute in a July post-practice interview. "I like diners," he said. "I like high-end food, I like food trucks, I like all scales of food."
“Obviously, I’m an O-lineman, so I love food—all types of food.”
— Alessandra Pontbriand (@APontbriandTV) July 31, 2025
The way #Jaguars rookie OL Jonah Monheim talks about food is iconic😂 pic.twitter.com/77Uu3Lgzw0
Final thoughts
The Jaguars seem full of talented and likable players this year. While their personalities are clear on social media—from Monheim's love of food to Saunders' Fortnite—let's hope their talent shows on the field.