The Jaguars need improved play from their offensive line.
To hear Jaguars Head Coach Jack Del Rio tell it Thursday, there’s some reason for optimism that that will be the case this season.
Del Rio early this week discussed the need to improve on the 38 sacks allowed last season, and while he emphasized that that number is attributed to more than just the offensive line, he said the group – particularly bookend tackles Eben Britton and Eugene Monroe – must continue to develop.
On Thursday, he was asked about the prospect of having four starters return on an experienced offensive line – Monroe, Britton, center Brad Meester and guard Uche Nwaneri – and he said, “From that standpoint, we’re entering camp about as good as you could hope to be.”
Del Rio also said the early signs are strong from rookie guard Will Rackley, a third-round selection from Lehigh who has been working with the starters since the start of training camp.
“He shows promise the way he started out,” Del Rio said. “He’s serious about the way he approaches things. He definitely belongs. All of us see it and say, ‘He belongs here.’ Now, he just has to refine his skill there.”
The Jaguars early in camp also signed veteran center/guard Jason Spitz as a free agent
“He provides us with an experienced guy who can play all three of those spots inside,” Del Rio said. “Anybody slipping up, he could grab them, or if the young guy doesn’t come along, he could be there.”