Ideally, you want your rookie class to contribute as soon as possible. That said, teams need to have realistic expectations, as first-year players need to make the adjustment to the pros. That's why the Jacksonville Jaguars must be thrilled that their 2025 draft haul is making an impact. Their seventh-round picks in particular are quickly standing out.
While running back LeQuint Allen has carved a niche in pass protection, center Jonah Monheim showed that he can keep up with the big boys when he was thrust into action in Week 5.
The Jaguars have a steady contributor in Jonah Monheim
Starting center Robert Hainsey suffered a hamstring injury during the 31-28 win over the Kansas City Chiefs and left the game. Johan Monheim stepped in his place and more than held his own, giving up just one total pressure on 14 pass blocking snaps and posting a Pro Football Focus grade of 66.2 against the run.
There was one play in particular where the former USC Trojan stood out because he had no trouble neutralizing Pro Bowl defensive lineman Chris Jones.
Shoutout to Jonah Monheim. The seventh-round rookie played well after Robert Hainsey left the game with a hamstring injury
Huge block vs Chris Jones on BT’s 33-yarder pic.twitter.com/LN1O7UILr7
— Gus Logue (@gus_logue) October 7, 2025
To nobody's surprise, head coach Liam Coen heaped massive praise on the rookie center, noting that he's shown notable improvement dating back to training camp.
"Yeah, Jonah, through all through training camp, I think, had gotten better and better, earned a lot of trust and respect around here in the building," Coen told the media ahead of the Seahawks game (9:29 mark). "He is prepared like a pro all throughout this process. So, you know, and he stepped up the other night in couple moments where we needed him to. So if he has to be the guy, if he's going to be the guy, we got a lot of lot of trust that that's going to be a good deal for us."
Although Hainsey practiced on the sidelines Wednesday ahead of Week 6, he's been listed as a non-participant on the injury Report, so there's a strong chance he won't be available. If that's the case, Monheim will get the starting nod and will once again have a prime opportunity to showcase his talent.
The Jaguars have two good centers in Robert Hainsey and Jonah Monehim
Robert Hainsey was the starting center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for three seasons before he was benched in favor of Graham Norton in 2024. That's why he was available in free agency, but he is no slouch by any means. Otherwise, Liam Coen, who was the Bucs coordinator, wouldn't have brougth him with him to the Jags.
Even though Hainsey may sit out the Seahawks game, he should be in no trouble of getting Wally Pipped for the second straight season. That said, if Jonah Monheim thrives during his potential absence, he could give the team's brass something to think about next year.
Ultimately, the Jaguars should be thrilled that they have two good centers. And while a controversy may brew down the road, that's a bridge they'll cross at the due time. For the time being, Jonah Monehim must get ready to start against the Seattle Seahawks if Robert Hainsey isn't good to go.