The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted a replacement for former starting center Brandon Linder during the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft when they selected Kentucky center Luke Fortner with the 65th overall pick.
Fortner is a solid candidate to replace Linder. In his final season with the Wildcats, he made the switch from right guard to center. Fortner was a Campbell Trophy semifinalist, which is given to the player with the best combination of academics, community service, and on-field performance. He was also named to the Rimington Trophy Watchlist given to the nation’s top center.
Of course, the starting job at center won’t be handed to Fortner but he is the favorite. His main competition is 2021 backup center Tyler Shatley who Jacksonville re-signed this offseason.
Here are three other things to know about Fortner.