Jacksonville Jaguars: Top 5 offseason additions, post 2018 NFL Draft

1. Andrew Norwell, G (from Carolina Panthers)

This past season, no team in the league totaled more rushing attempts (527) and more rushing yards (2,262) than the Jacksonville Jaguars. Spearheaded by a much-improved offensive line and rookie running back Leonard Fournette, Doug Marrone’s team grounded out 141.4 yards per contest rushing.

So why not go out in free agency and improve on a team strength? Hence the addition of quality guard Andrew Norwell, late of the Carolina Panthers. The former undrafted free agent molded himself into a Pro Bowl player and is a quality addition to Marrone’s offensive front. Only Dallas Cowboys’ force Zack Martin and Pittsburgh Steelers’ blocker David DeCastro grade out higher on Pro Football Focus’ list when it comes to the guard position.

As good as Norwell is a run-blocker, he ranks as PFF’s top-rated guard when it comes to pass protection. The 6-6, 325-pound performer was the Panthers’ primary starter at left guard the past two seasons and was in the opening lineup for every game each of the past two years.

Next: NFL 2018: Ranking the 50 best pass rushers

This past season, the Jaguars set a franchise record by allowing only 24 sacks in a season. Could the club do even better in this area with the four-year pro up front? It’s safe to say that Norwell was one of the prize pickups of the 2018 free-agency class.