Jacksonville Jaguars 2021 training camp preview: Linebackers

The Jacksonville Jaguars lacked stability at quarterback in 2020 but that wasn’t the sole reason why they lose 15 straight games. In fact, the defense also played a key role in their inability to win games. They couldn’t stop teams from scoring because the pass rush was non-existent and the pass defense was atrocious.

The team’s brass took at the defense and decided to give it a makeover. The biggest change on that side of the ball was probably the addition of defensive coordinator Joe Cullen, who was the defensive line coach for the Baltimore Ravens from 2016 to 2020.

The Jaguars lacked playmakers last season but the cupboard wasn’t entirely bare and Cullen will have several enticing pieces to implement his scheme. One of them is linebacker Joe Schobert.

Lasts season, the Jaguars took a conservative approach in free agency and refrained from making meaningful acquisitions. Schobert was the exception. He signed a five-year contract worth $53.7 million and quickly became a key cog on defense.

The 2017 Pro Bowl nod started all 16 games and logged 141 total tackles, six tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, four passes defensed, and three interceptions. He also returned an interception for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13. Schobert and fellow linebacker Myles Jack were a few of the bright spots on the Jags’ defense last season.

Heading into the 2021 season, Jacksonville’s linebacker unit seems like a strength but Jack and Schobert aren’t the only linebackers on the roster. Here’s a look at the unit ahead of training camp.