Michael DiRocco, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Stefen Wisniewski brings much-needed experience to Jaguars' interior line

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Signing center Stefen Wisniewski gives the Jacksonville Jaguars some veteran experience along the interior of the offensive line, which was something the Jaguars lacked and sorely needed.

After being drafted by Oakland in the second round in 2011, Wisniewski started every game at left guard as a rookie before moving to center in 2012. He only missed three games in the last three seasons, the last two of which came under offensive coordinator Greg Olson, who is entering his first season with the Jaguars.

Entering the 2015 season, the Jaguars have one interior lineman that has played in more than 16 games: left guard Zane Beadles, who has played in 80 (78 starts). Center Luke Bowanko and right guard Brandon Linder started as rookies in 2014 and the only other interior lineman is Tyler Shatley, who played in two games as a rookie last season.

Wisniewski doesn't automatically become the starter at center in place of Bowanko, but the two will compete for the starting job. In addition, Wisniewski also could compete with both guards for a starting job. The team is excited about Linder's future and he was the team's best and most consistent lineman in 2014. Beadles didn't play well in the first half of the season, but coach Gus Bradley said Beadles played his best football of the season during the final six games. However, if he struggles again early in the season, the Jaguars have the option of moving Wisniewski into his spot.

“We are excited to get him on board before we officially start our offseason conditioning program next week," Jaguars GM David Caldwell said. "He gives us great position flexibility along our offensive line as he has started at both center and guard during his career. He has a familiarity with our offensive system and brings a lot of experience to our offensive line room."

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