BEST OF THE BEST: JAGUARS INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Who are top intreior offensive linemen in Jaguars' history?

BY JEREMY MARKOSKI

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Having big maulers inside can set a team up for consistent offensive success. This is exceptionally true for a ground and pound team as the Jaguars have been throughout most of their existence. The production and statistical feats of great runners such as Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew are not viable without a strong interior offensive line. Over the years, the Jags have attained the most success when they have leaned on a smash-mouth style of football, and the three linemen on this list have been pivotal in the franchise's success in that regard. 

1. Brad Meester (C): Meester is arguably one of the most recognizable Jaguars in franchise history. He was a cornerstone of the team for 13 years and was an undeniable leader in the locker room. Drafted 60th overall out of Northern Iowa in the 2000 NFL Draft, Meester immediately found a starting position at left guard. Prior to the 2003 season, he was moved to center where he would cement his legacy and finish his career. Brad Meester led an offensive line that saw the peak and tail end of Fred Taylor's career, and was with the team for all of MJD's career in Duval. He was one of the Jaguars' most durable and dependable players, starting all 16 games of his first five seasons with the team. Over his 14 year career, Meester appeared in 209 games for the Jags and started in every single one.

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2. Vince Manuwai (G): Manuwai was another big mauler on the inside for the Jaguars in the early 2000s. He was drafted in the third round of the 2003 NFL draft, sliding into the left guard position, which ultimately resulted in Brad Meester moving to center. Manuwai was another Jaguar for life, playing out his entire eight-year career with the franchise. Big Vince was remarkably reliable, appearing in 111 games over his career. He missed 15 games in 2008 after tearing his ACL and MCL but started all 16 games the following year. He was known for being one of the best run-blocking guards in the league, creating immense holes, and helping the Jags surpass 2,390 rushing yards in back to back years from 2006 to 2007. After spending a brief stint with the Falcons on their practice squad, Manuwai retired and moved back to Hawaii. He sadly passed away November 4th, 2018. 

3. Chris Naeole (G): Last but not least, we have Chris Naeole. The New Orleans Saints drafted Naeole, and after five years with the team, he was signed as an unrestricted free agent to bolster the interior of the Jaguars' offensive line. He slid in at right guard, and along with the two other linemen above, led the most prolific rushing attack this franchise has ever seen. Naeole also shared the iron man mantra, as he started all 87 games in which he played for the Jags. Most recently, Naeole was on the coaching staff at the University of Hawaii but resigned during the 2017 season. 

The offensive line's glory days have been in the past for much of the last decade. The team is hopefully building something strong as we speak. They have a young core that will conceivably be able to open holes between the tackles for Leonard Fournette for at least another year. The biggest honorable mention in this category is Brandon Linder. Talent-wise, he is one of the best centers in the league and is on his way to being one of the best interior linemen in franchise history, but his durability has left a little to be desired over his six seasons with the team. I think he has what it takes to climb this list in the future. 

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