Top 10 combinations of offensive and defensive lines in 2018

#5 Jacksonville Jaguars

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Offense: LT Cam Robinson, LG Andrew Norwell, C Brian Linder, RG A.J. Cann, RT Jeremy Parnell; Bench – Josh Wells & Tyler Shatley

Defense: LE Calais Campbell, 1-tech Abry Jones, 3-tech Malik Jackson, RE Yannick Ngakoue; Bench – Dante Fowler, Marcell Dareus & Taven Bryan

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A few years ago, this Jaguars’ offensive line was an absolute mess. They routinely were at the top in terms of sacks and QB hits allowed, but this is a different unit and overall team now. Defensively, they showed some sparks in terms of being able to stop the run and getting some pressure on opposing signal-caller, but nowhere near to the kind of heat they put on offenses in 2017.

Cam Robinson had a solid debut season at left tackle, A.J. Cann has developed into one of the top guards in the league and the Jags added the premier offensive lineman in free agency – Andrew Norwell.

Jeremy Parnell has quietly had a couple of stellar seasons now on the right side of that line and Brandon Linder was the fourth-highest rated center according to Pro Football Focus. The Jacksonville O-line might not have the best zone-game or keep the pocket clean for 60 minutes in a true dropback scheme, but they are mauling people in the run game and allow Blake Bortles to make the easy throws, by selling the run and having linebackers step up.

Sacksonville has one of the most feared defensive lines in the league. Calais Campbell came in to immediately took over the leadership role with the young guys around him and moved along the front. Yannick Ngakoue led the league in forced fumbles as a speed rusher and tomahawk specialist.

The Jaguars provide consistent interior pressure, with Fowler coming in on sub-packages, to allow Campbell to slide inside with Malik Jackson. What makes them special is the fact that they have quality guys behind them as well. Marcell Dareus had an argument for being the top defensive tackle three years ago and I could easily see him re-emerge in 2018, coming over from Buffalo. First-round pick Taven Bryan, on the other hand, has a ridiculous get-off and inside-out flexibility.

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Edited by Raunak J
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