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Is starting spot of Jaguars' veteran OL in jeopardy after NFL draft?
TL;DR
Jacksonville Jaguars' veteran OL Patrick Mekari may lose his starting spot to rookie Emmanuel Pregnon after the 2026 NFL draft. Pregnon's strong performance in college makes him a contender for playing time.
Key points
- Patrick Mekari's starting spot may be in jeopardy
- Jaguars drafted Emmanuel Pregnon in the third round
- Pregnon was a top-rated run-blocker in college
- He allowed only one sack in 471 pass-blocking snaps
- Pregnon adds size to the Jaguars' offensive line
Pro Football FocusJacksonville Jaguars
Is Jacksonville Jaguars' veteran offensive lineman Patrick Mekari's starting spot at right guard in jeopardy after the 2026 NFL draft?
In the third round, the Jaguars selected Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon, who could potentially push Mekari for playing time.
Pregnon was one of Pro Football Focus' highest-graded run-blockers at his position, and in pass protection, allowed just one sack and five pressures over 471 pass-blocking snaps. He adds more size to the Jaguars' offensive line unit.
Why is Patrick Mekari's starting spot potentially in jeopardy?
Beyond what Pregnon could add up front, the Jaguars are in search of more consistency along the offensive line in 2026, particularly in the run game. During the second half of last season, the offensive line struggled to generate regular running lanes for Travis Etienne.
While PFF's grading system isn't the be-all, end-all, Mekari did rank 63rd out of 83 eligible guards in run-blocking grade. In pass protection, he gave up 34 pressures -- the 12th-most among guards -- and two sacks, ranking tied for 58th in pass-blocking efficiency.
Consistent success begins up front for any offense, with time for the quarterback and the offensive line providing a steady run game to lean on.
Mekari has experience on his side, but last summer, we saw Liam Coen embrace competition along the offensive line. There is no reason to think he won't take that same approach this season.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Is Patrick Mekari's starting job in jeopardy after Jaguars' Emmanuel Pregnon pick?
Q&A
Why is Patrick Mekari's starting position at right guard in jeopardy?
Patrick Mekari's starting position is in jeopardy due to the Jaguars drafting Emmanuel Pregnon, a highly-rated guard who could compete for the role.
What are Emmanuel Pregnon's strengths as an offensive lineman?
Emmanuel Pregnon is noted for being one of the highest-graded run-blockers and allowed only one sack and five pressures in 471 pass-blocking snaps during college.
How might the Jaguars' offensive line change after the NFL draft?
The Jaguars' offensive line may see changes with the addition of Emmanuel Pregnon, who adds size and competition for the starting right guard position.
