Tag: Brandon Linder

Brandon Linder is an underappreciated player for the Jags

Linder is one of the highest-paid centers in the league, but his play has lived up to his contract.

When Jacksonville Jaguars center Brandon Linder signed his five-year, $51.7 million contract extension back in 2017, that deal made him the highest-paid player at his position in the NFL. Though his contract has since been eclipsed by a few others, he remains among the most productive interior linemen in the league.

Though Jags’ fans are certainly well aware of how good Linder is, the lack of offensive production in Jacksonville in recent years has masked his strong play at times. But the numbers don’t lie. And according to NFL Network analytics expert Cynthia Frelund, he’s the Jaguars’ most underappreciated player.

On 341 pass blocking snaps in 2020, Pro Football Focus had Linder allowing zero QB hits, only one sack and just three hurries for a total of four pressures. He also earned the highest pass-blocking grade among centers (87.6), which matches my computer-vision results showing that he prevented defenders from entering a 3-foot halo around his QB at the best rate amongst centers on passing downs. It seems Urban Meyer is giving us some major clues about his desire to run the ball (drafting running back Travis Etienne in the first round) and protect No. 1 overall selection Trevor Lawrence as he adjusts to the NFL game, which makes Linder’s role even more impactful.

His pass-blocking acumen will be key in the development of Lawrence, who will need time in the pocket to acclimate to the speed of professional football. The Jags will also rely on him to create holes up front for backs James Robinson and Etienne.

Linder also graded very highly in 2020 according to Pro Football Focus, earning an 80.0 grade. He continues to play at a very high level, and though his contract is set to expire after the 2022 season, Jacksonville will look to keep the 29-year-old around for a while if his play continues at this level.

Touchdown Wire ranks Brandon Linder as a top-10 center

Linder ranks 10th among centers in the league, per Touchdown Wire’s rankings

Though Jacksonville’s 2014 draft class had some great selections (in terms of talent) like Allen Robinson and Telvin Smith, no player in the group has had the long-term impact with the team that center Brandon Linder had. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ third-round pick, Linder has started 79 games at center in the seven seasons since.

In 2017, the team gave him a five-year, $51.7 million contract that, at the time, was the biggest center contract in league history. There have been some bigger deals since, but his contract still ranks sixth among players at his position. Because of that, Jacksonville expects a high level of play from Linder.

According to Touchdown Wire’s Mark Schofield, they’re getting it. On his rankings of the top 11 centers in the NFL, Linder cracks the list at No. 10.

We have a Jacksonville Jaguar!

Of course the bulk of attention is being paid to Trevor Lawrence right now — albeit with some reserved for Tim Tebow — but if the rookie passer is going to have a successful debut in the NFL, it will be due in large part to the men up front. Thankfully, Lawrence will have one of the league’s best centers in front of him in Brandon Linder. The center battled injuries last season, first with an ankle injury and later with a knee injury that cut his season short, but even through those struggles he performed at a high level.

An area where Linder shines is in pass protection. Over his career, he has allowed just nine sacks in over 3,300 pass protection snaps, and in 2020 he allowed just a single sack, along with three QB hurries and zero quarterback hits according to charting data from Pro Football Focus. This quick video illustrates some of his work from 2020 protecting the passer:

https://youtu.be/zQVkV33G5gQ

Linder was limited to just nine games in 2020, but his play this season will be key both in the development of Lawrence and in the establishment of the run game with James Robinson and Travis Etienne. He’s performed at a high level for a long time, and the 29-year-old should still have a lot left in him.

A.J. Cann discusses bond with Brandon Linder and Jawaan Taylor

A.J. Cann discussed his bond with both Brandon Linder and Jawaan Taylor on an episode of the “O-Zone Podcast.”

Guard A.J. Cann has seen a lot of iterations of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The third-longest tenured member of the Jaguars (behind fellow offensive linemen Brandon Linder and Tyler Shatley), the 2015 third-round pick has started 90 of the 91 games he’s appeared in throughout his career, and he’s had three head coaches and two general managers in that time.

So any quick change to the franchise’s culture would be easily recognized by Cann. He discussed the difference he’s felt during the first offseason under Urban Meyer on an episode of the “O-Zone Podcast” with Jaguars writer John Oehser.

“We know where he wants to go,” Cann said. “He wants to win and he wants to win now. As a team, we’re hungry. We hear a hungry head coach talking like that and working his butt off to give us everything he can to win and increase our value. That makes you want to go out there and give it all you have for a guy like that. He’s been everything and all of that since he has been here.”

Cann is a part of the position group expected to have the most continuity under the new regime. The offensive line is the most experienced unit on the team, and Cann plays between the most experienced member of the offensive line in Linder and the least experienced in Jawaan Taylor, a former second-round pick who the Jags believe has a lot of potential.

Cann discussed his relationship with both on Oehser’s podcast, saying that the group is often on the same page and communicates well due to the amount of time they’ve played together.

“Just knowing who you’re going to battle with, and knowing that person in and out,” Cann said. “I’ve been beside Brandon for a while. Sometimes when we see something, we’ll look at each other and it’s like, ‘You saw that? I saw it, too.’ I just know what he’s thinking about and I am able to think on the same page.

“It’s the same with Jawaan: He can make a point and I say, ‘I’m already watching it.’ That’s a cool thing. You can feel the presence of the group. We’ve got guys who have been there. We made some strides last year. We’re working to build on that.”

Cann remains one of the more consistent members of the Jacksonville offensive line, and it’s why he’s held down a starting job for so long. In 919 snaps in 2020, he allowed only two sacks, per Pro Football Focus. His play, along with the play of his cohorts, will be key in both the development of rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence and building off the strides made in the run game last season.

Brandon Linder approves of Urban Meyer’s approach to give Jags players the resources they need

The Jags’ team captains continue to praise the job Urban Meyer has done by putting the team in position to flourish.

Jacksonville Jaguars center Brandon Linder has been apart of three coaching changes with the team, dating back to the time he was drafted and took the field with Gus Bradley and his staff. Since, he’s seen Bradley and the coach who replaced him, Doug Marrone, both fired and now is playing for his third coach in Urban Meyer.

In Thursday’s media session, Linder shared his first public thought about his new coach in Meyer, and like many of his teammates, he likes what he’s seen so far. Despite the team’s limited time with Meyer, Linder told the media that he’s been great about giving the players the resources they need to succeed, something the past regimes struggled with.

“The difference [is] we’re changing the culture, that’s for sure,” Linder said. “He’s been giving us everything that we need to succeed, and we haven’t had that around here in a while. But he asks it from us when we get on the field and that’s what we’ve been doing. We’ve been putting in work and it’s been good. Everyone’s been trusting the process and buying in to the culture.”

Linder’s statements echoed those of some of the Jags’ other team leaders like Myles Jack and Josh Allen, but to hear him mention the lack of player relations in the past is telling. This is also a huge nugget because many feel Meyer could have a hard time with his locker room after the signing of Tebow.

Of course, Linder was also asked about the plans for the former Gators quarterback, but warned the media to pump the breaks on those discussions as there is a lot that needs to be established first.

“I think it’s one step at a time and see what happens,” said Linder. “Before you start having those conversations, you’ve got to feel where he’s at on the depth chart. So, obviously, it’s only been a couple days, so we have not had that conversation as an offensive staff yet.”

Only time will tell how the Tebow project works out for himself and the locker room, but for the time being, it seems as though the top veterans on the Jags’ roster are buying in on Meyer’s plan.

Brandon Linder lands at No. 6 spot of PFF’s center rankings for 2021

One of the luxuries Trevor Lawrence will have this season is having one of the best centers in football in front of him.

Despite the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 1-15 record in 2020, there are several pieces from last year’s offense who will be a crucial part of getting things right in 2021. Center Brandon Linder is one of them, and as one of the best centers in the NFL, he’ll need to continue his success as Trevor Lawrence is now in town.

Heading into the 2021 season it appears Linder still has the respect he’s worked hard to garner over the last seven years as Pro Football Focus ranked him sixth on their evaluations of the league’s top-32 centers. While he only played in nine games last season, PFF analyst Ben Linsey not only acknowledged him as one of the best centers in the league since his selection but also as the Jags’ top offensive lineman. 

6. Brandon Linder, Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville’s roster didn’t have a lot going for it in 2020. That tends to be the case for a 1-15 team. Linder, the Jaguars’ top offensive lineman, playing in just nine games was one thing that went wrong. It flew under the radar because he doesn’t have the same Pro Bowl or All-Pro recognition as some other names atop this list, but he has been one of the best centers in the league over the past seven years. The only three centers with a higher PFF grade than Linder (87.4) since he entered the league in 2014 are Travis Frederick, Jason Kelce and Alex Mack.

Of course, as we mentioned above, the key for Linder in 2021 is staying healthy as he’ll have the No. 1 overall pick behind him. He’s missed 34 games since being drafted while starting in 79. Still, even with the injuries, there clearly aren’t many centers fans should want in front of Lawrence aside from Linder. Not to mention he was also the leader of a line that aided James Robinson to a phenomenal rookie season as a rusher.

Despite just playing in nine games, Linder registered a PFF figure of 80 last season. If he can do that in 2021 and play in the range of 13 games or more, it would be huge for Lawrence and the offense who will likely have to lead the team when considering the number of new faces on defense.

Here is why the Jags may not view their OL as a huge issue

Urban Meyer called the Jags’ O-line pretty good last week, and when considering the flashes they made in 2020, it’s understandable why.

The 2021 offseason could be a huge one for the Jacksonville Jaguars with new coach Urban Meyer now taking over. He’s basically said he wants to win early in his tenure, and his past shows that a losing season, even on the NFL level, won’t be acceptable by his standards. 

Part of the reason Meyer took the job as the Jags coach is that they have the resources to get fast rather quickly with 11 draft picks in April’s draft and the most cap space of any team at the moment. Still, with the Jags having so many needs, it could be a tough task to make that big of a jump. 

One area that Meyer has openly talked about is the offensive line, telling NFL Network’s Jane Slater that the group was “pretty good,” and that it wasn’t a unit that needed to be blown up. With several fans feeling the opposite way long before Meyer came into the picture, his comments made for an interesting discussion over the last few days.

Just as fans have seen with coaches in the past, Meyer possibly could be creating a smokescreen. But it may be an even higher chance that he isn’t. And when looking at the Jaguars’ interior offensive line, it’s really a possibility that his confidence in the line may be genuine. 

Last season, the Jags’ interior offensive line may have produced the best play we’ve seen out of a trio in a while between A.J. Cann, Brandon Linder, and Andrew Norwell, though the bar may be set low. The unit aided James Robinson in registering a historic season for undrafted players, and he ultimately finished fifth in the league in rushing with 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, the trio was better as pass blockers, with all their players registering a pass-blocking grade of 73.8 or higher. 

Overall, the Jags were very close to having their three main starters in the interior register grades of 70 or higher, per PFF. While he was injured for a while, Linder finished the season with an 80 overall grade. When healthy, there aren’t many centers fans should want to put Trevor Lawrence behind as he has been one of the best in the league. 

As for Cann and Norwell, they were just shy of the 70-grade mark. The two registered a 67.9 (21st of 80) and 69.0 (18th of 80), respectively. Before his forearm injury, Norwell had a 71.1 grade, and his play was the most acceptable fans have seen since his signing. That said, their performance was possibly acceptable on Meyer’s part when he looked back at the 2020 tape, and with so many needs, he may feel the trio should stay intact. It also should be noted that Norwell is a former player of his. 

The area that may be more of a concern is the exterior, as the tackle play was iffy. Second-year right tackle Jawaan Taylor especially struggled and didn’t take the step most fans were hoping to see after his rookie season. However, he’s only 23 years old and was a high draft selection (picked 35th overall), so it’s hard to see the Jags not giving him another chance. Add in the fact that Taylor was coached by Meyer’s former assistant in college, Dan Mullen, and he may be even more optimistic about Taylor’s outlook.

So that leaves potentially one spot the Jags could be eyeing for an upgrade: left tackle. It’s been well documented that Cam Robinson’s contract expired in 2020, leaving the Jags in a situation where they must decide on his future.

The team could either give him a long-term deal, franchise tag him for the year, or let him hit the open market. Of those two options, the tag seems to be the wisest idea because its one-year term would allow him the opportunity to show some consistency. However, if the Jags see an opening where they can find an upgrade in free agency or via trade, they could let Robinson go. 

While there weren’t a lot of members retained from the 2020 staff, Meyer did hold on to offensive line coach George Warhop. That also could be an indicator of Meyer’s confidence in what he saw on film. Regardless of what they decide to do at left tackle, that’s possibly the only spot they feel a new starter could go, and if so, that would explain why Meyer feels the unit doesn’t need to be blown up like some of the fans. 

Listen to the latest from Jags Wire’s own James Johnson and Phil Smith on their podcast “Bleav in the Jags.” Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and check out our archived episodes via Bleav Podcasts.

Jags rule Brandon Linder out vs. Titans, 4 others ruled questionable

The Jags will have to take on the Titans without one of their team captains Sunday, as he was the only player ruled out so far.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will be without at least one starter this Sunday as center Brandon Linder was ruled out on Week 14’s final injury report. The decision came after the veteran sustained an ankle injury against the Minnesota Vikings that sidelined him during practice this week.

With Linder out, Tyler Shatley will get to start in the veteran’s place. With him being inserted into the lineup once again, Sunday’s game will mark Shatley’s seventh start of 2020.

The Jags also ruled four players questionable for Sunday’s meeting against the Tennessee Titans. Those players were tight end Tyler Eifert (shoulder), linebacker Kamalei Correa (hamstring), and cornerbacks Greg Mabin (hamstring) and Sidney Jones IV (Achilles).

Of the four, the most significant absences could be those of Jones and Correa as they are starters. Jones has missed the Jags’ last three games with his injury, which has been a huge blow to the Jags’ already wounded secondary. As their best cornerback, his addition would be huge for the Jags as they take on the receiver tandem of A.J. Brown and Corey Davis Sunday.

If Jones can’t go, they could stick with the pairing of Tre Herndon and Luq Barcoo on the outside.

Correa’s return would be huge, too, as he’s a former Titan who knows their personnel well. Since making a trade for him in October, Correa has started in six games for the Jags, dating back to Week 6 against the Detroit Lions.

Jaguars Wednesday injury report: Center Brandon Linder sits out of practice

OL Brandon Linder missed Wednesday’s practice for the Jags as he continues to recover from the ankle injury he sustained against Minnesota.

The Jacksonville Jaguars only had two players to sit out of Wednesday’s practice, both of which were on offense in tight end Tyler Eifert (shoulder/ day off) and center Brandon Linder (ankle). The other seven players who were listed all practiced on a limited basis.

Linder was expected to miss Wednesday’s practice as coach Doug Marrone revealed the news earlier in the day. His absence comes after he exited Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings early with the ankle injury he’s listed for.

When looking at those who were limited, there were several notable names in the group. On offense, receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (thumb) and running back James Robinson (knee) were the biggest names. Like Linder, Shenault exited Sunday’s with his injury but Doug Marrone revealed that his X-Ray came back negative on Monday.

On defense, cornerback Sidney Jones IV (Achilles) continued to be limited. He had the same status for most of last week’s practices aside from Friday (didn’t participate) and was ruled out for Week 13’s game against the Vikings. Hopefully, this week will lead to his return as the Jags could use some experience in their secondary.

Lastly, linebackers Dakota Allen (hamstring) and Kamalei Correa (hamstring) made progress from last week as neither participated leading up to Week 13’s game. With both starting the week limited, there is a chance they both could be back Sunday, giving the linebacking corps back one of its starters and reserves.

Jags center Brandon Linder expected to play vs. Steelers, per Doug Marrone

The Jags are on track to get their best offensive lineman back in Brandon Linder, who was dealing with a back issue Week 10.

The Jacksonville Jaguars appear to be getting healthier over time and could have several key players back by Sunday’s game against the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers. One of the most notable names who there were concerns for heading into this week was center Brandon Linder, but according to Doug Marrone, the team captain is expected to return Week 11.

“We expect Brandon to play,” Marrone said Wednesday. “He’s actually going to go out there today and do some stuff. Normally it’s his day off so he’ll get some work in today.”

We’ll see if he’s a limited or full participant once the injury report comes out, but this is encouraging news for Linder after he missed Week 9’s game against the Green Bay Packers with a back injury. As the Jags’ best offensive lineman, his addition will be a huge one as the Steelers have an elite defense propelling there team. They will enter this week with the No. 10 ranked passing defense, No. 9 ranked rushing defense, and the No. 6 ranked defense overall.

Despite missing several games in 2020, Linder has a 76.4 grade, per Pro Football Focus. That will come in handy when protecting sixth-round rookie quarterback Jake Luton and making lanes for undrafted running back James Robinson.

Jags release inactives list for Week 10 game vs. Packers

The Jags’ Week 10 list of inactives included no surprises as notable like Brandon Linder and Gardner Minshew were on it.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have released their inactives list for Week 10’s game against the Green Bay Packers, which included seven players. As expected, there were no surprises with many of the listed players being ruled out on Friday and Saturday (or prior).

Rookie Jake Luton will be getting the start in Gardner Minshew’s place for the second straight week as the second-year player continues to nurse a thumb injury.

Receiver Laviska Shenault Jr., linebacker Dakota Allen, running back Devine Ozigbo, and defensive tackle Doug Costin were also ruled OUT on the final injury report. Center Brandon Linder was downgraded from questionable to OUT on Saturday so he didn’t make the trip either. Starting in his place will be veteran Tyler Shatley.

The Jags added receiver Terry Godwin from practice squad with Shenault out to put them at five receivers. They also promoted linebacker Joe Giles-Harris to help their numbers within the linebacking corps with Allen being ruled out.

The list of Packers inactives can be found here.