As training camp nears for the Jacksonville Jaguars, we're going to break down each position and its respective battles that will take place in camp and the preseason. Between starting positions and depth spots, there will be interesting battles up and down the roster.

The Jacksonville Jaguars were able to find substantial success running the football in 2022.  Travis Etienne enjoyed a very successful first season after missing his rookie year with a foot injury, compiling 1125 rushing yards on only 220 carries for a healthy 5.1 yards per carry. 

And while the entire offensive line is due a lot of credit for that success, there are some question marks on the inside of the line going into camp. Let's examine the candidates for the starting center and two guard spots this fall, as well as those who will be battling to make the roster in the coming weeks.  

IOL candidates

Guards: Brandon Scherff, Ben Bartch, Tyler Shatley, Cole Van Lanen, Cooper Hodges, Chandler Brewer, Blake Hance, Samuel Jackson

Scherff, a former All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection, is plugged in at right guard.  Done.  Simple. 

The left guard spot is one that has a little bit of intrigue.  The Jaguars announced on Saturday that Bartch will start camp on the PUP list.  Bartch started the first five games in 2022 at left guard before suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season.  Clearly he's still recovering, and the team is understandably very cautious with him.  If he's 100% healthy by the time the season starts, he should take the starting job. 

Shatley took over at left guard after Bartch went down, but his play in 2022 was not at the level to where he's immune from competition, earning a 60.9 overall PFF grade with a 54.5 run blocking mark.  Given his experience, he's likely the leading candidate if for some reason Bartch suffers a setback or is otherwise not ready to go when the season starts.  His versatility, having played guard and center in Jacksonville, will also likely keep him in town, at minimum.

Hodges, a rookie whom GM Trent Baalke indicated will shift inside from tackle and play guard, could be a wild card in the mix.  Drafted in the seventh round, the Appalachian State product is a strong and physical run blocker, which the team could sorely use.  His blocking (85.3) and run-blocking (86.2) PFF grades were the highest among all right tackles in the collegiate FBS subdivision last year.  

Van Lanen made the 53-man roster in 2022 but is unlikely to earn a shot at the starting position.  He, Brewer, Hodges, Hance, and Jackson will likely battle for the final IOL spot if Bartch is back by the end of the preseason and the team carries Shatley as a "swing" interior lineman – i.e., a player who can play multiple positions on the interior of the line.  The Jaguars normally carry 5 IOL on their opening  53-man roster, so that would leave one spot up for grabs if Bartch returns. 

Centers: Luke Fortner, Darryl Williams

Fortner started all 17 games and 2 playoff games as a rookie last season at center.  He has little true competition to unseat him during training camp, so he should be back snapping the ball to Trevor Lawrence this fall.  Fortner would stand greatly to improve his run blocking, for which he earned a paltry PFF grade of 48.0 last year.

Williams spent most of 2022 on the Jaguars' practice squad, appearing in one game against the Eagles on special teams.  Given the level of competition for depth at guard and that Shatley can play center in a pinch, Williams faces a steep uphill battle to make the active roster.  There's a strong chance he could end up on the practice squad again though.  

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The Jaguars will hope that Fortner takes some steps forward in year two, and Doug Pedersson said previously that they expect that to happen.  If Bartch returns 100% and Fortner improves upon his run-blocking with a year under his belt, this unit could take a big step forward in 2023. 

Featured image via Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK