JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser and Jaguars analyst Bucky Brooks examine the Jaguars' offensive line position in this position-by-position look at the '26 offseason:
Position: Offensive line.
Position coach: Shaun Sarrett.
2025 starters: Left tackle Walker Little (12), left tackle Cole Van Lanen (5), left guard Ezra Cleveland (16), left guard Cole Van Lanen (1), center Robert Hainsey (15), center Jonah Monheim (2), right guard Patrick Mekari (14), right guard Van Lanen (1), right guard Little (2), right tackle Anton Harrison (15), right tackle Van Lanen (2), extra tackle Chuma Edoga (2), extra tackle Van Lanen (1).
Others: Guard Wyatt Milum, Ricky Lee, Sal Wormley, Kilian Zierer, Jerome Carvin, Cooper Hodges.
2025 at a glance: The Jaguars revamped this position significantly in the 2025 offseason, signing Hainsey, Edoga and Mekari as unrestricted free agents – and selecting Milum (Round 3) and Monheim (Round 7) in the 2025 NFL Draft. They also spent the offseason and into training camp taking the approach that the starting lineup had not yet been determined – and moving players around various positions. That resulted in a season-opening starting lineup of Little, Cleveland, Hainsey, Mekari and Harrison with Van Lanen working at various positions around the line until finishing the season starting at left tackle alongside Cleveland. The group was versatile and reliable, with the Jaguars allowing one sack or fewer in seven games and allowing no sacks in five games – one shy of the franchise record. The Jaguars also had six games in which they allowed two or fewer hits on the quarterback with a 6-0 record in those games – and also had two games in which they allowed no hits on the quarterback. The Jaguars rushed for 115.05 yards per game in 2025 after rushing for 101.7 in 2024. They also rushed for 22 touchdowns – fourth in the NFL – in 2025 after rushing for 13 in 2024.
Offseason storyline: This could be a relatively stable position in the 2026 offseason, with all significant contributors from 2025 under contract for the 2026 season. Key storylines for the offseason and training camp could center on competition and health, with Milum expected to compete at guard and Monheim continuing to develop at center. Van Lanen missed the Jaguars' AFC Wild Card Playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills on January 11 with a knee injury – and while he is expected to return for the 2026 season, that exact timetable remains unknown.
Free agents as of March 11: None.
Bucky Brooks' top three offensive tackle free agents: 1, Rasheed Walker, Green Bay Packers; 2, Jermaine Eluemunor, New York Giants; 3, Braden Smith, Indianapolis Colts.
Bucky Brooks' top three interior offensive line free agents: 1, Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens; 2, Alijah Vera-Tucker, New York Jets; 3, David Edwards, Buffalo Bills.
Bucky Brooks' top three collegiate offensive tackle prospects: 1, Francis Mauigoa, Miami; 2, Spencer Fano, Utah; 3, Caleb Lomu, Utah.
Bucky Brooks' top three collegiate interior offensive line prospects: 1, Olaivavega Ione, Penn State; 2, Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M; 3, Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon.
Oehser analysis: This area was critical to the Jaguars' success in 2025, with the team focused on retooling the area throughout the offseason and focused on maximizing its effectiveness throughout the season. While the Jaguars didn't sign top-of-the-market unrestricted free agency in 2025, the additions of Hainsey and Mekari – and Edoga – stabilized the line and added significant depth that proved valuable throughout the season. The line in 2025 was more physical than in previous seasons, and the stability helped quarterback Trevor Lawrence turn in the best season of his career while also helping the offense emerge as elite in the second half of the season. Key to the group was the emergence of Van Lanen, who began the season as a backup across all positions before moving into the starting lineup – a story that is a testament to the Jaguars' willingness to allow players to play key roles regardless of previous roles and draft status.
Brooks analysis: The Jaguars' ability to play musical chairs with the offensive line enabled the unit overcome various injuries during the season. Van Lanen in particular played a pivotal role as a "swing" player who could align anywhere from right tackle or left tackle to right guard in a pinch. The veteran was so effective in relief duty that he eventually earned a promotion and a new contract. Harrison finally looked like a franchise player on the right side, as he adapted quickly to the Jaguars' new scheme. Although injuries limited the overall effectiveness of the unit due to the constant shuffling of Hainsey, Mekari, Cleveland and Little in and out of the lineup, the Jaguars were able to get valuable reps from Edoga, Millum and Monheim throughout the season. With so many players pitching in, the Jaguars' depth became one of the strengths of an improved offensive line.
