Bucs C Jensen Continues To Get His Due On A National Scale

Bucs heart Ryan Jensen has developed a popularity for being one of many NFL’s finest facilities. It’s why he signed the kind of contract he did this offseason. And it’s why he earned a spot on ESPN’s listing of the Prime 10 inside offensive linemen coming into 2022.

Jensen, who turns 31 in a couple of weeks, has been a significant component within the success of Tampa Bay’s offensive line over the past couple of years. His toughness and brawling model of play makes him a man who opposing defensive linemen hate enjoying towards. So, it stands to motive that he finds himself at No. 6 on this prime 10 listing, which is compiled via a survey of executives, coaches, scouts and gamers across the league.

Jensen’s highest rating was No. 2, whereas his lowest got here outdoors the highest 10. Touchdown at No. 6 after solely being an honorable point out final yr is kind of the leap. Plus, he was the highest-ranked heart, with the subsequent closest being Jason Kelce at No. 8.

Nobody can say Jensen’s place isn’t deserved. The Buccaneer offensive line has executed an important job defending Tom Brady over the past two years, and the veteran heart has been the anchor of these efforts. To not point out, he performed via a torn hip flexor early final season.

Right here’s what ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote about Jensen’s rating:

Jensen wasn’t a significant component within the voting over the previous two years, caught in honorable point out standing. However this yr, he outdistanced all facilities by a large margin.

“I feel he’s the very best heart in soccer,” a veteran NFL defensive coach stated.

As an NFC offensive coach added, “He’s wild as s—. Each play, he’s speaking and enjoying bodily to again it up.”

Jensen’s metrics aren’t outrageous. His 92.4% move block win charge was No. 23 amongst facilities final yr, and his run block win charge was No. 27 at 62.5%. He had 5 penalties towards and recorded a 69.9 ranking from Professional Soccer Focus. But it surely’s the angle and physicality that units him aside.

“The final two years, his sport has taken off,” a just lately retired Professional Bowl offensive lineman stated. “His explosion within the passing sport actually stands out. He units a tone for the whole group.”