Luke

Fortner

Fortner has made 44 starts across 68 professional appearances for the Jaguars and Saints during his four-year NFL career, notably capable of playing all three interior offensive line positions. He brings veteran depth, although the uncertainties surrounding the status of incumbent starting center Austin Corbett could lead to starting snaps for Fortner.

The trade curiously comes hours after the two teams played each other in preseason Week 2. The 29-year-old Saunders is entering his seventh NFL season, coming off a year in which he totaled 27 tackles, 14 quarterback pressures and two sacks. The Jaguars didn’t do much to bolster their interior defensive line after signing three undrafted free agent DTs this offseason and Arik Armstead (back) looks like a candidate to miss time early this season.

Scherff missed some of the team’s Week 1 win over the Colts with an ankle issue. He was limited in practice this week but will suit up against Kansas City in what should be a high-scoring affair against a Chiefs front seven with Chris Jones, who missed Week 1 due to contract negotiation issues. Pederson said Luke Fornet (ankle) would also be active for Week 2. It’s good news for Trevor Lawrence, who was pressured on a league-leading 33.3 percent of his Week 1 drop backs.

Jacksonville used a third-round pick on Fortner in this year’s draft. The rookie center started 36 games during his time at Kentucky, splitting time at right guard and center. Fortner’s contract includes $5.5 million with a $1.18 million signing bonus. He has a chance to earn the starting center role in training camp.

Fortner (6'6/300) started 36 games for Kentucky, playing 23 of those at right guard and the remaining 13 at center, where he made first-team All-SEC in 2021. A top PFF grade of 85 will do that, and he showed equal promise in the run (84.5) and pass blocking (82.8). Fortner’s experience and intelligence are his greatest attributes. He called out line protections and quickly diagnoses delayed blitzes and stunts. He also has the required athleticism (7.29 relative athletic score) to play the position at an NFL level, with good balance and bend, solid acceleration, and explosion off the line combined with an NFL frame and passable length. His hand placement could use some work, and his strength isn’t anything to rave about, but the versatility and adaptability he’s shown should make him a solid pro for the Jags.