Jonah Monheim Backs Up Center for Jacksonville Jaguars

In the high-stakes world of NFL offensive lines, depth at center is a luxury few teams can afford—and the Jacksonville Jaguars have found a reliable option in Jonah Monheim, a second-year lineman who has emerged as the primary backup to starter Luke Fortner. Jonah Monheim Backs Up Center for Jacksonville Jaguars highlights the value of a player who may not grab headlines but is essential to keeping the offense on track, especially if Fortner (a 2022 third-round pick who has started 31 consecutive games) misses time due to injury. Monheim, a former undrafted free agent out of USC, spent his rookie season learning multiple offensive line positions—center, guard, and even tackle—before settling into his role as Fortner’s understudy. For a Jaguars offense that relies on Trevor Lawrence’s quick decision-making and Travis Etienne Jr.’s rushing attack, a stable center is non-negotiable; Monheim’s ability to step in seamlessly ensures the line doesn’t miss a beat. Jonah Monheim Backs Up Center for Jacksonville Jaguars also reflects the Jaguars’ focus on building a versatile offensive line, where players can adapt to different positions and keep the offense humming. This article explores Monheim’s preparation, his skill set, and how he’s become a quiet cornerstone of the Jaguars’ offensive line depth.

Jonah Monheim Backs Up Center for Jacksonville Jaguars began with a deliberate journey of growth during his rookie season. When Monheim signed with the Jaguars in 2024, he arrived as a guard with limited experience at center—USC had used him primarily at left guard during his college career. But offensive line coach Phil Rauscher saw potential in Monheim’s football IQ and quick feet, urging him to learn center to increase his value. Monheim embraced the challenge: he spent hours studying Fortner’s film, mimicking his pre-snap cadence, hand placement, and communication with the rest of the line. He also worked one-on-one with Rauscher to refine his snap accuracy—a critical skill for centers, who must deliver clean snaps to the quarterback under pressure. By the end of his rookie year, Monheim was taking reps at center in practice and even saw limited game action in garbage time, recording zero penalties and helping the Jaguars rush for 4.8 yards per carry in those snaps. “Jonah’s willingness to learn and adapt is what makes him special,” Rauscher said during the 2025 off-season. “He didn’t complain about switching positions—he attacked it. That’s the kind of mindset you need from a backup lineman.” This off-season, Monheim doubled down on his preparation, focusing on run-blocking techniques (a key area for Fortner, who excels at opening holes for Etienne) and pre-snap adjustments to defensive fronts.

Jonah Monheim Backs Up Center for Jacksonville Jaguars also shines a light on his standout performance during the 2025 training camp and preseason—moments that solidified his role as Fortner’s backup. In the Jaguars’ first preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Fortner was given a rest day, and Monheim stepped in as the starting center. He didn’t disappoint: he delivered 38 clean snaps, helped the Jaguars rush for 125 yards (4.6 yards per carry), and didn’t allow a single sack or pressure on Lawrence. One play stood out: in the third quarter, Monheim 识别 (recognized) a Buccaneers blitz, adjusted the line’s blocking assignment, and paved the way for Etienne’s 20-yard rushing touchdown. “Jonah’s ability to read defenses and make quick adjustments is rare for a backup,” Pederson said after the game. “He doesn’t play like a reserve—he plays like a starter. That gives us so much confidence knowing he’s there if we need him.” Monheim continued to impress in subsequent practices, including a joint session with the Miami Dolphins where he went head-to-head with Pro Bowl defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and held his own, limiting Wilkins to just one pressure in 25 snaps. For Monheim, the goal is simple: “I want to be so prepared that when the coaches call my name, it feels like any other day. Luke is a great starter, but my job is to make sure the offense doesn’t skip a beat if I have to play.”

Jonah Monheim Backs Up Center for Jacksonville Jaguars underscores the Jacksonville Jaguars’ focus on offensive line resilience—a priority born from past struggles when injuries to key linemen derailed their season. In 2023, the Jaguars lost two starting guards to injuries, forcing them to use inexperienced backups and leading to a drop in rushing production (from 118 yards per game to 92 yards per game) and an increase in sacks allowed (from 28 to 36). This year, with Monheim providing reliable depth at center, the Jaguars don’t face that risk. Fortner, while durable, has dealt with minor knee soreness in camp, and Monheim’s readiness means the team doesn’t have to rush Fortner back or shuffle other linemen to center (a move that would create new vulnerabilities elsewhere). “Offensive line depth is the backbone of a successful offense,” said general manager Trent Baalke. “You can have the best skill players in the world, but if your line can’t protect the quarterback or open holes for the running back, you won’t win. Jonah gives us that security blanket—he’s a player we can trust in any situation.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ focus on offensive line resilience is even more critical this season, as they face a schedule filled with elite defensive lines like the Baltimore Ravens (ranked 2nd in sacks in 2024) and the Cleveland Browns (ranked 5th in run defense). With Monheim in the fold, the Jaguars know their offensive line can withstand the rigors of a long season.

Jonah Monheim Backs Up Center for Jacksonville Jaguars also highlights the Jacksonville Jaguars’ commitment to developing undrafted talent—a hallmark of their recent roster-building success. Monheim is one of several undrafted players who have found a home in Jacksonville, joining the likes of running back Bhayshul Tuten and safety Antonio Johnson. The Jaguars’ coaching staff prides itself on looking beyond draft status, focusing instead on work ethic, football IQ, and adaptability—traits Monheim has in spades. Rauscher, who has a history of developing undrafted linemen (including former Pro Bowler Lane Johnson in Philadelphia), worked closely with Monheim to refine his technique and build his confidence. “We don’t care where a player was drafted—we care about what they can do on the field,” Rauscher said. “Jonah came in with a chip on his shoulder, and he’s proven himself every day. That’s the kind of player we want in Jacksonville.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ commitment to developing undrafted talent has paid off with Monheim: he’s gone from a long shot to make the roster to a key contributor, and he’s become a role model for other young players in the locker room. “The Jaguars gave me a chance when no one else did,” Monheim said. “I’ll never take that for granted. Every practice, every snap, I’m playing to repay that trust.”

Jonah Monheim Backs Up Center for Jacksonville Jaguars concludes with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ goal of using their deep offensive line to fuel a Super Bowl run. For the Jaguars, a strong offensive line is the foundation of their success—it protects Lawrence, opens holes for Etienne, and gives the offense the time and space to execute Pederson’s scheme. With Fortner as the starter and Monheim as the backup, the Jaguars have one of the most stable center positions in the NFL—a luxury that will pay dividends in high-pressure games. “Our offensive line is the unsung hero of this team,” Lawrence said as the regular season approached. “Guys like Jonah don’t get the credit they deserve, but we all know how important they are. When the game is on the line, we trust them to keep us protected and move the ball.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ goal of using their deep offensive line to fuel a Super Bowl run is shared by Monheim, who remains humble despite his growing role. “I’m just here to help the team win,” he said. “If that means holding a clipboard on Sundays, great. If that means stepping in and starting, I’m ready. Whatever the Jaguars need from me, I’ll do it.” Jonah Monheim Backs Up Center for Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just a story about a backup center; it’s a testament to the Jaguars’ attention to detail, their belief in developing talent, and their understanding that success in the NFL is built on the contributions of every player—whether they’re a starter or a reserve. As the regular season begins, all eyes will be on the Jaguars’ offensive line, and Jonah Monheim will be ready to step up when his number is called.