Moeller: Jaguars' Offensive Line Could Have Some New Wrinkles This Fall

By Jeff Moeller, Florida Sports Wire

JACKSONVILLE - When you think about the Jaguars’ offense for 2026, a few things could easily come to mind.

Trevor Lawrence is likely the first player to come to mind, and he will  be expected to lead the Jags to take the next step and get beyond their first round of the playoffs after a 13-win season last year.

There’s also wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who will look to return to his rookie form in his third season after struggling to stay in the limelight last season with only two touchdown receptions. 

But Thomas Jr. 's production drop was overshadowed by the emergence of Parker Washington and the early season acquisition of Jakobi Meyers that both elevated the position. 

Then there’s the Jags’ revamped running game without Travis Etienne and young backs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen team with veteran Chris Rodriguez that will provide a new look.

But what makes it all work?

It’s the Jaguars’ offensive line.

The Jags brought back the O-line intact from last season, a unit that allowed 41 sacks, the 13th most in the league. But the line went through a three-week span in which they allowed 17 sacks and 36 quarterback hits. 

This summer, however, some of the Jags’ offensive line will be shuffled before their season opener against Cleveland.  

Cole Van Lanen, who signed a three-year extension in January, will start the season on the injured list after he proved to be the Jags’ most valuable lineman playing right tackle, left guard, and left tackle last season. He only allowed one sack at left tackle.

Van Lanen could again play nearly any spot on the line, and he had a good offseason. When he is healthy, Van Lanen certainly will be in a starting role somewhere along the front.

Anton Harrison, the team’s top 2023 pick and a staple at right tackle since his rookie year, has seen some time at left tackle. Harrison was always envisioned as a left tackle.

Veteran Walker Little likely will open at left tackle, but Little has been a utility man in the past. However, Little could find his niche last season, as he battled injuries and allowed nine sacks. 

If Little struggles in camp, Harrison could open at left tackle. 

Robert Hainsey, who came on board last year and had an adequate season, will be back at center. Vets Ezra Cleveland and Patrick Mekari are currently slated at the guard spots.

Emmanuel Pregnon, this year's third-round pick, will get his share of reps at guard as well as second-year guard Wyatt Milum in camp. Chuma Edoga, another seasoned player, is a backup at tackle and also could play guard. 

Since June, head coach Liam Coan has liked what he has seen from his frontline support. Coen has been impressed with their overall depth. 

"The chemistry and continuity has been there and it's been good," said Coen. "Nice to see some of the young guys get some reps and be thrown into the fire and thrown into the mix. 

It's just always nice when you have a lot -- I mean, right now, we got nine guys that I would feel confident and comfortable putting into a game right now and say, 'Let's go win and see what happens.'"

For Lawrence and the rest of the offense to again click this fall, it will start on how the five in front of them perform on a weekly basis.