Jaguars lock in offensive line core for 2026 as run game priority shifts following Etienne absence
Head coach Liam Coen prioritises improving the run game, necessitating the line to create lanes for backups as star Travis Etienne remains unavailable for the upcoming season.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have finalised their offensive line depth chart for the 2026 season, retaining the vast majority of the 2025 roster without any free agency activity. The only roster change involves the release of practice squad player Sam Wormley, leaving the unit largely intact to support the team's strategic objectives under head coach Liam Coen.
Coen has identified improving the run game as a primary priority for the upcoming campaign, a directive that places significant reliance on the offensive line to create lanes for running backs. With star Travis Etienne confirmed as unavailable for the 2026 season, the burden of the ground game shifts to the line and the remaining backs, Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen, and Chris Rodriguez.
The team addressed the need for depth and competition by selecting Emmanuel Pregnon in the NFL draft. Widely regarded by analysts as a steal, Pregnon is expected to compete with incumbent Patrick Mekari for the starting right guard position. While Mekari's experience may initially give him the edge, the introduction of Pregnon introduces genuine competition for the role.
Stability remains a key theme for the interior line, with Cole Van Lanen confirmed as the starting left tackle following a three-year contract extension. Van Lanen allowed just one sack in the previous season and ranked 15th in PFF's run-blocking grade. At left guard, Ezra Cleveland is projected to start, noted for his stability and reliability despite being better suited for pass protection than run blocking.
Robert Hainsey is projected to anchor the centre position, serving as a team captain and viewed as a strong leader who fits Coen's scheme. At right tackle, Anton Harrison is expected to start after recording a career-best season in 2025, showing marked improvements in his run blocking alongside his reliability in pass protection.
The projected starting unit, consisting of Van Lanen, Cleveland, Hainsey, Mekari or Pregnon, and Harrison, aims to provide the necessary protection and blocking to facilitate the run game. This approach underscores the Jaguars' commitment to building a cohesive offensive line capable of sustaining production even without their leading rusher.
