Jacksonville Jaguars Early Predictions: Linebackers
The Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing a new defense for 2016 and we look at the early predictions for the linebacking corps.
As summer days grow longer and the countdown to football begins it’s exciting to look back at all of the new additions of free agency and the NFL draft. A new safety in Tashaun Gipson, defensive end in Malik Jackson, cornerback Prince Amukamara, and with the draft bounty of young talent headlined by Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack it’s easy to get lost in the headlines.
But the fact is the NFL is a business and with all these new additions someone will be losing their job. The position battles that take place this summer will determine how the Jacksonville Jaguars do on Sundays this fall.
Gus Bradley’s philosophy of competition has been instilled since day one and taking a look at the linebackers offers a glimpse into one of the more heated position battles this summer. My way too early prediction of starters shows Posluszny, Smith, and Jack getting the nod. Nice right? But the excitement begins looking into their replacements. Remember when Posluszny went down last season? Having a quality backup is never a bad thing and only 53 people make the final roster it’s fun to speculate who will end up making the cut. With seven other linebackers on the Jaguars roster not everyone will be there on game day.
More from Jacksonville Jaguars News
- Jacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdom
- Jaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect now
- Jaguars News: This division rival might be making a big move
- Former Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”
- Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways
is in his second year with the team after he was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round. He appeared in eight games for the team, started two, and had 24 tackles, 16 solo. Pullard came in last season more as a reserve backup and played well in his time. Keep an eye out for Pullard as the summer continues, if he can make steps in pass coverage then I think he has a real shot at staying at on the roster this fall.
Final Prediction: Safe
Sean Porter is a bit of a head scratcher. Brought in for depth he was signed to the team last year during December to the team practice squad. Drafted out of Texan A&M by the Cincinnati Bengals in round four of the 2013 draft, Porter’s rookie year suffered because of a shoulder injury and in 2014 he appeared in only one game for Cincinnati before a knee injury sidelined him for the year. Last year Porter was signed to the practice squad and headed into 2016 Porter looks to stay healthy and compete for a position on the team. Ultimately I think the battle for linebacker will bring some unsettling cuts and Porter is one of them
Final Prediction: Cut
Thurston Armbrister was undrafted out of the University of Miami. Last season the lack of depth at linebacker gave Armbrister a spot at on the roster. He appeared in sixteen games on special teams and six at the linebacker position. His best game of the season was against the Tampa bay buccaneers where he amassed six tackles and had twenty three on the season. I like Armbrister and if can continue to develop look for Armbrister as a name to watch.
Final Prediction: Safe
Joplo Bartu was signed on December 7th 2015 of last year. He played two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and in his first with the Jags had eleven tackles and his most proficient game against the New Orleans Saints where he has five tackles. Watch for Bartu to compete for a roster position this fall and if doesn’t continue to show signs of improvements this summer he might not make the team this fall.
Final prediction: Cut
Tyrone Holmes was the team’s sixth round draft pick in this year’s draft. The rookie from Montana will look to compete for playing time at the outside linebacker position. With ability to rush the passer I think Holmes will push the lotto position battle early. In an interesting article by Justis Mosqueda of Bleacher Report, he highlighted Holmes career heading into the draft called him a “developmental stud”. Holmes may have slipped to the sixth round but look for the rookie to make an impact and push competition at the position.
Final Prediction: Safe
Jordan Tripp was originally a two time FCS all American from Montana and drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round of 2014 draft and claimed off of waivers in 2015 by the Jags. He appeared in twelve games and had ten tackles. I thought he played well in his appearances and with another year with the jags watch for Tripp to grow and compete for a roster position.
Final prediction: Safe
Dan Skuta When the jags signed Skuta in free agency from the San Francisco 49er’s I was excited by the addition of a veteran presence to the lineup. In his first year with the jags he accumulated 32 tackles and 1.5 sacks. A decline in production from the previous year with the 49ers could be attributed playing in a new system. Skuta also turns thirty one this year and did his play last season warrant five million dollars? If Skuta can’t adapt to the new lotto role and produce I think he’s in danger of not making the team.
Final prediction: Cut
When the 2016 season rolls around and the final cuts are made the Jaguars will be letting go some quality players and the great part of this post is that I can/will be completely wrong about some of these guys. Someone I overlooked bursts onto the scene they’ll make the team, one of the guys I liked under-performs and he’ll be gone. That’s the nature of the NFL today and I’m just glad I won’t be the one making the final cuts.