*We credit Pro Football Focus, STATS and Football Outsiders in assessment of past performances in the offensive linemen outlined below

Jacksonville Jaguars

Across the board, the Jaguars have had poor offensive line play in recent seasons. While their pass protection was somewhat improved in 2014, their quarterbacks have been sacked and sacked and their running backs have been ineffective.

Jacksonville has made the offensive line a priority in the draft over the last few years. But, continued dysfunction forced them to also utilize free agency this offseason. The Jags made two very interesting free agent signings in offensive tackle Jermey Parnell and center Stefen Wisniewski. Both come with some risk, but have upside that is appealing.

Highly acclaimed 2013 Draft pick Luke Joeckel has to make his presence felt this season. He was too unbelievable of a college prospect not to eventually. The team can only hope its 2015 third-round pick, OG AJ Cann, will have the same positive impact as last year’s third-round rookie, OG Brandon Linder. If everything comes together, this suddenly becomes a very young and talented unit.

But, as you can tell, that’s still a big “if”.

Projected Starting Lineup

Luke Joeckel, LT 6’6″ 311 pounds- A poor pass and run blocker in 2014 after being put on injured reserve early in 2013, last year was practically his rookie season, has bulked up in the offseason, was a highly acclaimed NFL Draft prospect

AJ Cann, LG 6’3″ 313 pounds- Was draft expert Mike Loykos #1 ranked OG in the 2015 NFL Draft, he calls Cann “an extremely reliable player who uses a combination of technical ability, power, and awareness to defeat defenders. Comfortable playing in the phone booth and is able to generate power or movement in tight space,” Loyko says “Cann has all the tools to be a plug and play Left Guard”

Stefen Wisniewski, C 6’3″ 315 pounds- Had an excellent start to his career in Oakland, struggled last season but may have been hampered by injury, underwent a long recovery from shoulder surgery this offseason, is expected to be ready for training camp and will compete for starting spot, if he’s healthy he’ll be a boost to the interior

Brandon Linder, RG 6’6″ 311- Had a terrific rookie season at RG in 2014, the Jags best lineman on paper going into 2015, must repeat the performance

Jermey Parnell, 6’6″ 315 pounds- Was a backup RT for DAL, graded fairly well in replacement of starter Doug Free at times, was surrounded by exceptional talent in Dallas, did also perform reasonably well over the course of his limited snap counts prior to 2014, a wild card who we are cautiously optimistic about, will be pivotal to the success of this unit

Notes-

Currently, the jury is still out on four-fifths of the Jaguars offensive line. At best, this is a decent young unit. At worst, it’s a bad and inexperienced group. This is a “C” offensive line, that does however, possess upside to be slightly above-average in 2015. The team has some depth with Zane Beadles and Luke Bowanko likely moving to the bench.

With Julius Thomas and Marcedes Lewis in the fold, Jacksonville will likely move to more two tight end sets this season. Thomas is not known for his blocking, and we still expect second-year quarterback Blake Bortles to be forced to scramble regularly. He should produce fantasy points on the ground. Thomas will be a highly targeted safety valve and redzone option for Bortles, however, his ceiling is nowhere what it was in Denver.

This offensive line isn’t ideal for rookie running back TJ Yeldon, but it looks to be serviceable. He’s a good one-cut runner, and this unit is shaping up as an athletic one if nothing else. We also expect Yeldon, who is a tremendous pass-catcher, to be another safety valve option for Bortles when his pass protection predictably breaks down.

None of this is great news for the wide receivers. The only guy on the radar is Allen Robinson – who you will have to be careful not to over-draft – but if the value presents itself, Robinson may become a nice option for Bortles on the outside and down the field in their second year together.