Why the Jaguars Fourth-Year Linebacker Is the Right Replacement for Devin Lloyd
The Jacksonville Jaguars had one of the best linebackers in the NFL in 2025. Devin Lloyd, who the team drafted with their first round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, was named Second-team All-Pro last season after the best statistical season of his career. The veteran finished the season with five interceptions, seven pass deflections, 1.5 sacks, and 81 tackles. However, the franchise was unable to extend and retain the star player, as Lloyd would sign a three-year contract with the Carolina Panthers in free agency. Now, the position has opened for the next player to take the reins and try to fill the void left behind by the All-Pro.
One player that immediately comes to mind is Lloyd’s former backup, Ventrell Miller. The Florida alumnus played all 17 games for the Jaguars in 2025, ending with 38 tackles and one interception alongside four pass deflections. In 2024, Miller started nine games, resulting in 80 tackles and three pass deflections. Unless Jacksonville intends to select a linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft, the 2023 fourth-round selection would be the starting linebacker next season. Head coach Liam Coen was quoted at the owners’ meetings as saying that the Florida alumnus should be confident in his spot at the moment, meaning the coaching staff has faith that the defender can provide a quality presence in the future.
Is this the right move for the Jaguars? At least to the coaching staff, it seems to be the correct choice. Through the performances that we have seen during the past few years on the field, it is a no-brainer that a player who is already comfortable in the system can break out into a star. Miller has confidence in himself and has proven to do impressive plays when playing in his minimal starts in the past. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile has also proven himself to be one of the best developers in the game, so he can likely turn the veteran into a key piece to this defensive core moving forward. The fourth-round pick is extremely versatile, playing both solid secondary coverage and a threat in the middle of the field. Once he polishes some of his weaknesses, there is no doubt that Miller could easily become one of the biggest names on this new defense moving forward in Duval County.
