4 positions on the Jaguars roster that greatly improved since 2021

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville.Jki Ota7 37
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville.Jki Ota7 37 /
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LB Devin Lloyd of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft at the NFL Draft Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Jaguars position group that has greatly improved – Linebacker

The Jaguars’ linebacker corps will look significantly different this upcoming season after releasing Myles Jack and letting Damien Wilson walk in free agency. To revamp the group, the front office signed Foyesade Oluokun and used a couple of draft picks on Devin Lloyd and Chad Muma.

Defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell will be running a 3-4 scheme, so there will only be two off-linebackers in base packages while Travon Walker and Josh Allen line up on the edge. Nowadays, inside linebackers don’t stand out unless you have a game-changer such as Darius Leonard or Fred Warner. And while you could argue that the importance of the position has greatly diminished, it’s still important and players that can cover, defend the run, and blitz the quarterback, are pretty valuable.

That’s why nobody batted an eye when the Jags paid a premium for Oluokun and later used first and third-round picks on Lloyd and Muma, respectively. Moreover, they still have Chapelle Russell and Shaquille Quarterman on the roster and while Muma will most likely be the top backup in 2022 either one could step on the football field if called upon.

The Jaguars’ offense has rightfully got the spotlight this offseason because the team’s brass is building around Trevor Lawrence but general manager Trent Baalke has quietly assembled a stout defense. Josh Allen and Travon Walker will garner the most attention because of the position they play but Oluokun, Lloyd, and Muma are set to make plays and have a big impact this upcoming season.