Jaguars G Brandon Scherff among ESPN's best interior offensive linemen
The Jacksonville Jaguars saw their offense come to life last fall and help carry the team to the AFC South title for the first time since 2017. And while Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars' passing game has rightfully received a lot of recognition, the running game quietly had a solid season. RB Travis Etienne averaged […]
The Jacksonville Jaguars saw their offense come to life last fall and help carry the team to the AFC South title for the first time since 2017.
And while Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars' passing game has rightfully received a lot of recognition, the running game quietly had a solid season. RB Travis Etienne averaged an eye-popping 5.1 yards per rush on 220 carries, good for third-best in the NFL among running backs with at least 190 carries.
Much of that success is due to Jacksonville's offensive line, and G Brandon Scherff sets the physical tone on the inside. Scherff was signed in March 2022 to a 3-year, $49.5 million contract by Jacksonville. He spent his prior seven seasons in Washington, where he earned first team All-Pro honors in 2020 and made five Pro Bowls.
Scherff made ESPN's Jeremy Fowler's list of the top 10 at interior offensive lineman, marking yet another Jaguars to make the list (Lawrence and Engram also ranked in the top 10 of their respective positions).
Last year was odd for Scherff in that he played a full season for the first time since 2016, but he failed to make the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2018.
But Jacksonville, which signed him to a three-year, $49.5 million deal in free agency, felt his presence. Scherff's 71.8% run block win rate helped Jacksonville improve from 22nd to 14th in rushing offense year over.
"He's still a load against defensive tackles and has the quickness and power to disrupt defenders," an NFC scout said. – Jeremy Fowler, ESPN.com
Scherff's Pro Football Focus grades for offense and run blocking were actually the lowest of his career. He received an offensive grade of 60.6, with a run blocking mark of 56.9. Those were significantly lower than any other year. However, he still managed to win 71.8% of his run blocking snaps per ESPN, and the run game took a step forward last season. As such, this could be a case where the overall performance doesn't fit with the grade.
Regardless, Scherff clearly has earned the respect of those around the league. And if he can continue his physical play and pave the way for a strong season for Etienne and the ground game, the Jaguars could begin to turn a lot more heads around the league.
Jaguars’ offensive stars get major love from a team of national outlet’s writers
Jacksonville’s young core gets a big stamp of approval from a large group of national writers
Featured image via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
