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Will Blair Brown Push Competition for Jaguars Linebackers

By Warner Flower

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 28: A Jacksonville Jaguars helmet is seen on the field during the game between the Jaguars and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 28, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 28: A Jacksonville Jaguars helmet is seen on the field during the game between the Jaguars and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 28, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /
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The Jacksonville Jaguars have added through free agency and the draft in the hopes of creating competition at certain positions this offseason. Can rookie Blair Brown add to the camp competition at linebacker?

Blair Brown was selected in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of the University of Ohio. While it might seem surprising for a fifth round pick to add productivity right away, there are a few reasons to believe Brown will compete right away.

First, Brown has all the physical tools needed to create an impact. His speed and athleticism will be an asset for the Jacksonville Jaguars. While at Ohio, Brown improved in tackles each season. Jumping from forty tackles his junior year to 128 by the end of his senior year. This improvement highlights Brown’s ability to grow as a football player.

Secondly, Brown will be playing at a position where the Jags have lacked depth in recent years. Currently a projected lineup from Ourlads has Paul Posluszny starting at the SAM linebacker, however Brown’s speed and athletic ability should help place him in rotation behind starters Myles Jack and Telvin Smith creating one of the better linebackers units in the division. Overall keep an eye out for Brown to compete with players like Hayes Pullard III or Josh McNary for playing time.

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Finally, maybe the best way for Brown to help contribute to the team is with play on special teams. As the Jags continue to look for athletic young players Brown will help add depth and talent to this area of the roster. Special teams will be a sure way to solidly a spot on the team. The Jags made a point of bringing in rookies that could immediately have an impact as special teams players and have the upside to contribute on defense. Brown is one of those players.

Brown has the athleticism, intelligence and opportunity to add to the Jags linebacker competition. Creating that competition will only help the Jags to get better and improve as the season begins to get underway.

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