3 positions where the Jaguars could have depth concerns in 2024

Center could be an area of concern for the Jaguars in 2024

Center was one of the Jaguars' top needs after the 2023 season ended. The interior offensive line struggled last year and center was without a doubt the weakest link. To remedy the issue, the Jaguars brought in Mitch Morse, who'll be an upgrade over incumbent Luke Fortner.

Morse was recently named a top-15 center, and his overall product at the position has been better than Fortner's. The team's brass may want the pair to compete in training camp but the veteran should have a favorable chance of coming out on top. In fact, the Jags wouldn't have signed him if Fortner had not been underwhelming last year.

The former Kentucky Wildcat had ups and downs as a rookie but was expected to make a leap in 2023. He didn't and instead regressed. Fortner was pushed around in the running game and ranked 31st in pass-block win rate. Not surprisingly, head coach Doug Pederson kind of threw him under the bus in the offseason. And that's the thing.

If Morse stays healthy, the Jaguars' offensive trenches should be much better than they were last season, but if Fortner sees the field, for whatever reason, they could be in trouble. It's possible that he'll benefit from taking a step back and learning from Morse. Conversely, he could once again struggle to hold his own.

Beyond Fortner, Jacksonville doesn't have many appealing options. Tyler Shatley inked a one-year before the draft to return in 2024. However, he wasn't particularly great when he had to step in at left guard. Sophomore Cooper Hodges took snaps at center during mandatory camp but there's no certainly he'll show out if his number is called.