Jake Ryan chose the Jaguars because of connection to Dom Capers

By David Levin | Mar 21, 2019

LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 19: Rob Kelley #20 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by inside linebacker Jake Ryan #47 of the Green Bay Packers in the first half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 19, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

New Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Jake Ryan decided to join the team partially because of his familiarity with Dom Capers from their time together in Green Bay.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a new linebacker in Jake Ryan, who let it be known that part of the reason for his the decision to sign with the organization was their decision to bring in Dom Capers to help the defense grow.

Capers, the former defensive coordinator in Jacksonville from their 1999-2000 season, held the same position in Green Bay from 2009-2017 has a connection to Jake Ryan, helping the young player make the decision to leave the cold confines of Lambeau Field and join the team from North Florida in free agency.

I like this move. It’s one that could pay off handsomely for the Jaguars, who need a true middle linebacker to help stuff the run and follow tight ends underneath in the passing game. Ryan, who suffered an ACL injury in training camp last season playing for the Packers, has recently signed a deal with the Jaguars, the team announced.

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Capers was brought in to be a senior defensive advisor for coordinator Todd Wash.

"“Dom has been a huge part of my life from the time I was in Green Bay,” Ryan told jaguars.com Tuesday morning. “He has helped me out a bunch. [He] kind of guided me through everything when I came in as a rookie. I played outside linebacker a little bit in college, and my senior year, I switched to inside.“Dom kind of took me under his wing when I got to Green Bay and helped me out.”"

Ryan fits that tough, rugged linebacker the Jaguars are looking for to fill the void left by retired star Paul Posluszny. While it would take a lot to jump right in and play with the same kind of heart and respect from his teammates, don’t think Ryan couldn’t be a star in this scheme this season.

At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, the 27-year-old gives this team depth where it is needed most on Tod Wash’s unit and allows Myles Jack to move back outside. First, Ryan must win the job outright and take things from there.

Jake Ryan is said to be doing well in his rehabilitation from the knee injury and has begun football-related activities in preparation for training camp. The signing, although not as big as some of the offensive moves the team has made, could be just as vital to the growth of this defense moving forward.

Next. Third and Short: Jaguars who must have a huge 2019 season. dark

"“I have been doing my linebacker drills – cutting, running, doing as much as I can,” he said. “[I am] trying to get back as fast as I can, but just taking it day by day and trying to get back as fast as I can,” he added."

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