Analyst says Jaguars biggest offseason question lingers entering training camp

The Jacksonville Jaguars addressed most needs across the roster in the offseason. They bolstered both sides on the ball and are seemingly in good shape to compete for the AFC South in 2024. However, Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports believes the Jags still need to take care of an offseason question.

DeArdo took a look at all teams in the AFC and looked at their biggest remaining questions. For Jacksonville, he wonders if they did enough to reinforce the offensive trenches, noting that they'll need a couple veterans to remain injury-free.

"The Jaguars believe that injuries and a lack of continuity were the main reasons why their O-line struggled last year, especially when it came to running the ball. To help address those issues, the Jaguars made a slash in free agency when they were able to sign former Pro Bowl center Mitch Morse.


Personally, I think the Jaguars' O-line will be better this year with the addition of Morse and the expected growth of Ezra Cleveland, and second-year right tackle Anton Harrison. The development of rookie fourth-round pick Javon Foster (whom the Jaguars view as their future swing tackle) is also key. But the Jaguars need veterans Brandon Scherff and Cam Robinson to stay healthy after injuries hindered their effectiveness in recent years. "

Signing Mitch Morse in free agency was one of the biggest moves the Jags made in free agency. While the veteran has never made the Pro Bowl, he's been dependable throughout his career. A second-round pick in 2015, the former Mizzou Tiger spent his first four NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills and joined the Buffalo Bills in 2019.

Last season, Morse gave up one sack and 26 total pressures. He'll be an upgrade over incumbent Luke Fornter, who was among the worst centers in the league in 2023. The duo is expected to compete but the veteran should have no trouble winning the job.

Apart from bringing Morse in, the Jaguars opted not to make wholesome changes to the offensive line. As DeArdo noted, they believe that continuity will allow the group to perform better next season. For that reason, they brought back guard Ezra Cleveland and restructured Brandon Scherff's contract instead of outright releasing him and creating $9 million in space.

Similarly, the team's brass could've moved on from Cam Robinson and freed up $17 million in space. However, they expect him to be on the roster in 2024. With Robinson returning, Harrison will stay at right tackle after switching sides in his rookie season. Also, Walker Little, who's fared well in limited action, returns as the swing tackle.

Injuries will show whether the O-Line is a question mark for the Jaguars

The Jaguars don't need an elite offensive line to succeed next season. They popped up at No. 23 in Pro Football Focus' ranking. If they can move up a few spots, somewhere in the middle, that will suffice. Staying healthy will help them pull it off.

Last season, injuries ravaged the offensive line. It didn't help that general manager Trent Baalke didn't properly address the left guard position. Working in the Jags' favor is that they'll be getting offensive guard Cooper Hodges back. He was expected to compete for a roster spot last year before suffering a patella injury that ended his rookie campaign prematurely. The former Appalachian State standout should be the top backup inside in 2024.

Left tackle was also an issue last year, with four different players making a start. However, depth should no longer be a concern, with Cam Robinson tentatively returning next season and the arrival of rookie Javon Foster.

Right now, the offensive line looks in better shape than it did a year ago, but the Jacksonville Jaguars won't truly know how much better the unit is until the regular season starts.

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