For one of many closing installments of the state of the roster collection, we’re going to check out the middle of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ protection: the linebackers.
Led by star linebacker Foye Oluokun, the Jags have the makings of a strong linebacking core. Very similar to the cornerbacks, the Jags have the items to wreak havoc within the protection recreation with their backers whereas additionally having expertise that may assault the quarterback.
Particularly for somebody like Devin Lloyd, the upcoming season could possibly be an enormous stepping stone within the evolution of not solely the staff’s protection but in addition former Jags high-level draft picks.
As has been mentioned earlier than, there are areas of concern on this staff. When wholesome, this linebacker group won’t be one among them.
Contract: First 12 months of a 3-year, $30,000,000 deal.
Age: 29 (30 on Aug. 2)
Video games Performed: 111 profession with Atlanta and Jacksonville. 47 in previous three years with Jags.
Stats: NFL chief in tackles in ‘22, ‘23. 5.5 sacks with Jags and two picks.
Notes:
We don’t must get buried within the weeds of how good Foye may be. When wholesome, he is usually a man who can lead the NFL in tackles like he did in ‘22 and ‘23. No, main the NFL in tackles doesn’t make you a primary poll Corridor of Famer but it surely does give an excellent indication of how concerned you might be on protection. It goes with out saying {that a} good tackler on protection is all the time essential. Oluokun performed simply 13 video games final 12 months as accidents reduce his season brief, however he’s the heartbeat of this locker room. As he goes, so largely do the Jags themselves. He’s an efficient blitzer and has abilities in protection. He’s as full a linebacker as this staff can hope to have at this level.
Contract: Ultimate 12 months of a 4-year, $12,936,605 rookie deal. Making $2,469,083 base wage this season.
Age: 26 (27 in September).
Video games Performed: 48 over three seasons in Jacksonville.
Stats: 355 profession tackles, two sacks, 4 picks and 19 passes defended.
Notes:
Oluokun’s working mate is Lloyd, who has had a rollercoaster couple years as a Jag. Lloyd is a irritating participant at instances as a result of he so clearly has the expertise and construct to be an ideal linebacker. He’s extraordinarily fast and was one the league’s finest tacklers final season. He has proven flashes within the go rush recreation and may learn a quarterback nicely at instances. He can simply as simply get fully misplaced and rotated and general run over by an offense. There isn’t any doubt Lloyd is bettering as he goes alongside and perhaps a few of his mishaps had been resulting from a nasty scheme and dangerous teaching in earlier years. Within the closing 12 months of his first-round rookie deal nonetheless, Lloyd has to point out the consistency he displayed in his rookie and sophomore years to get a long-term extension in Duval.
From @PFF:
“Devin Lloyd has emerged as a respectable playmaker, incomes a 91.0 PFF run-defense grade over the previous two years to rank fourth on the place.” pic.twitter.com/fO2KPBRHRO
— Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis) July 1, 2025
Contract: Third 12 months of a 4-year, $4,576,936 rookie deal.
Age: 26 (27 in January).
Video games Performed: 15 in first full energetic season.
Stats: 80 tackles, one compelled fumble.
Notes:
Somebody Jags followers must be enthusiastic about heading into this season is Miller. In Anthony Campanile’s system, which final 12 months in Inexperienced Bay allowed linebackers like Quay Walker to thrive, each Lloyd and Miller have the possibility to blow up. Miller performed 15 video games in his first wholesome season and made loads of impression, together with back-to-back double-digit sort out video games in London and a few actually strong play in a detailed loss to Houston. Miller is a kind of guys who simply finds himself across the soccer, able to make a giant play. He’ll begin this upcoming 12 months after impressing final 12 months. On this new system, the indicators are pointing to him making an enormous bounce alongside the vet Oluokun and an rising Llloyd.
Contract: Final 12 months of a 4-year, $5,426,108 rookie deal. Making $1,394,924 in base wage.
Age: 25 (26 on Aug. 18).
Video games Performed: 50 video games performed in three seasons with Jags.
Stats: 94 profession tackles, 1.5 sacks in rookie season.
Notes:
Draftmates with Lloyd, Muma performed an enormous function in his rookie 12 months however has seen his utilization lower thereafter. He’s a strong particular groups participant and a superb linebacker when known as upon. He isn’t going to scare anybody together with his dimension or pace however has completed sufficient to be a backup on this staff. He too is coming into a contract 12 months and should excel within the margins to get a brand new deal.
Contract: 1 12 months, $2,000,000.
Age: 30 (31 on Aug. 9).
Video games Performed: 96 over seven years with Arizona.
Stats: 156 profession tackles, 17 sacks, three compelled fumbles and two picks.
Notes:
After seven years with the Arizona Cardinals, Gardeck involves Jacksonville as a locker room man and somebody who can get after the go rusher. He shall be 31 when the season begins, and has had accidents together with his ACL, however he was beloved in Arizona and has made it within the league after being an undrafted participant. On July 31, Gardeck was reactivated to the staff from the PUP listing after struggling a camp harm. Gardeck provides the Jags somebody who can, and can, perform a little little bit of all the pieces. This tweet from 2020 reveals you precisely what you’ll get in Gardeck.
Contract: Third 12 months of a 4 12 months, $4,205,216 deal.
Age: 25 (26 in April).
Video games Performed: 19 in two seasons with Jacksonville.
Stats: 19 tackles……..
Notes:
Who is aware of what the Jags have in Abdullah. Actually. The as soon as preseason darling of the Jags has largely been quiet by his two common seasons on the staff. He has simply 19 profession tackles, no sacks and can nearly definitely be combating for a roster spot throughout camp. Abdullah has performed as a rusher and as a protection linebacker, however hasn’t proven the consistency (or been give the chance) to do both one towards NFL starters. Throughout camp he could possibly be moved round in Campanile’s system, one which once more advantages linebackers. Abdullah has to seek out his spot quickly, whether or not that be speeding the passer or as a lockdown protection defender, or his time in Duval could also be up.
Contract: First 12 months of a 4 12 months, $5,256,592 rookie deal.
Age: 24 (25 in September).
Video games Performed: 70 throughout six seasons with Notre Dame.
Stats: 265 tackles, six sacks, six compelled fumbles.
Notes:
The primary of the Jags’ rookie linebackers is Kiser out of Notre Dame. Kiser has performed an absurd quantity of soccer as he’s now ND’s chief in all-time video games performed. However Kiser received there by grinding it out. In 2023 he was the Particular Groups Participant of the Yr for the Irish earlier than being named captain forward of the 2024 season. Kiser began 9 video games mixed within the two years previous to his closing season in South Bend, the place he began all 16. His profession missed sort out price is beneath 5% which is phenomenal. Kiser is a bit older for a rookie, and like Muma, isn’t probably the most imposing participant on the planet. However he’ll get it completed. That seemingly shall be on particular groups first for the Jags the place he has proven the pedigree to make his mark.
“While you have a look at the 6 years I have been right here, what I keep in mind is the folks. From once I was a small underclassmen simply making an attempt to be taught the methods…to have coach Freeman…yeah it is in regards to the folks.”
— Linebacker Jack Kiser displays on his profession with Notre Dame pic.twitter.com/Rdxz6GuOCX
— CBS Sports activities (@CBSSports) January 21, 2025
Contract: First 12 months of a 4 12 months, $4,430,528 rookie deal.
Age: 23 (24 in June).
Video games Performed: 54 throughout 5 school seasons with App State and Auburn.
Stats: Profession-high 57 tackles and eight sacks in closing school season at Auburn. Had 13.5 sacks in two years at Auburn.
Notes:
The second of the Jags linebacker draft picks is McLeod out of Auburn. McLeod is the everyday Swiss Military Knife linebacker, the place he can shoot out of a cannon and rush the passer or run with a streaking tight finish. After three seasons at App State, McLeod translated his recreation simply to the SEC, which isn’t any small feat. He gained over 21% of his go rush snaps which was top-20 within the nation. Auburn used McLeod in additional apparent go rush conditions and it might appear the Jags are in line to do the identical. No roster spot is protected for an undersized sixth-round rookie, however the upside on McLeod is probably going an excessive amount of to go up for the brand new Jags regime.
Been a fan of Auburn EDGE/LB Jalen McLeod since his App State days and he is received an ideal motor and cross chop to win towards tackles. Performed the “Buck” function as a hybrid outdoors linebacker who drop into protection.
At his finest speeding the passer. Had 2 FFs towards Alabama. https://t.co/8NYk9rqq6Z pic.twitter.com/h6oCdGBgMt
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 24, 2025
Contract: First 12 months of a 3-year, $2,980,000 rookie deal.
Age: 25 (26 in July).
Video games Performed: 60 throughout six school seasons with Southern Illinois and Wake Forrest.
Stats: Second on Wake Forrest in whole tackles (94) and sixth for TFLs (6.0). Sport-winning interception towards NC State.
Notes:
The ultimate linebacker added this 12 months was Combs, an undrafted free agent. He seemingly shall be a observe squad addition as soon as the camp cycle is over, however he has the expertise to make an NFL roster. Combs completed up his final season at Wake Forest with 94 tackles, two sacks and a choose. Combs is a school soccer success story, making the swap from a large receiver with Southern Illinois to linebacker with the Salukis. A number of years down the road, he turned an All-ACC Second-Workforce participant at linebacker. That reveals somebody who will do no matter it takes to assist his staff win.
Combs is one more participant on this linebacker room that has the grit and dedication to get issues completed as a result of they’ve needed to for his or her complete profession. Olukoun was an neglected participant out of Yale. Gardeck isn’t presupposed to be right here. Kiser is outdated and McLeod is undersized. But all these guys discovered a spot collectively in Jacksonville as a result of they’ve the requisite character to reset a staff and set a basis for what it means to play Jags soccer. Sacksonville could also be on the verge of returning, and it comes on the shoulders of a linebacker core who seemingly don’t give a shit what you assume, however simply wish to play successful soccer.
What are your ideas on the LB unit coming into 2025? Tell us within the feedback beneath!