When the Jacksonville Jaguars let linebacker Devin Lloyd walk in free agency, they expected Ventrell Miller to replace him. However, they just didn't hand him the starting job and instead had him compete with sophomore Branson Combs. Neither was able to stand out enough to win the job, and the Jags will lean on them to start the regular season.
Of course, Miller or Combs could get the job full-time if either one eventually outperforms the other. That said, the lack of clarity could be a reason for concern as the season progresses, since the linebacker may be the only question remaining on defense.
For his part, general manager James Gladstone doesn't sound overly concerned, based on his latest remarks.
The Jaguars expect Ventrell Miller and Branson Combs to rise up to the challenge
James Gladstone met with the local media a few days after the roster cutdown deadline. He expressed confidence in Ventrell Miller and Branson Combs, arguing that the team doesn't believe there's a void at linebacker.
"Yeah, I think it's really exciting to know that neither one of them, if thrust into a full-time role, is going to be in a position that we feel like there's a void at this point in time," Gladstone told the media (19:46 mark). "We're really excited about the progression of each, and knowing that Ventrell's walking in the door with a more experienced standing, I think that'll certainly show itself in a positive light."
Gladstone continued, "And Branson continuing to take steps, knowing that his contributions on special teams are still going to be something that really adds value on a on a game day operation."
A fourth-round pick in 2023, Miller missed his rookie season after suffering an Achilles tear. He's appeared in 32 games with 11 starts the past two years, registering 118 total tackles, seven passes defensed, and three forced fumbles. The former Florida Gator excels at stopping the run but isn't nearly as efficient in coverage. That's where Combs comes in.
An undrafted free agent in 2025, Combs began his rookie season on the practice squad but was signed to the active roster when other teams began to show interest in him. The former Wake Forest Demon Deacon showed notable improvement in the offseason and ended up making the 53-man roster. He's better in coverage than Miller, so he'll get more playing time on third down.
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Ideally, Ventrell Miller or Branson Combs would start full-time next to Foyesade Oloukun, but the Jaguars are seemingly fine with both of them sharing the role. On the other hand, the middle of the Jacksonville defense could become a weakness opponents will exploit if neither one shows out.
Compounding the issue is that the Jags don't have any other in-house options beyond Miller or Combs, and the free-agent market isn't particularly strong.
Perhaps James Gladstone is right Ventrell Miller and Branson Combs will do just fine, but if they don't, linebacker could quietly become a weakness, and the Jaguars might need to bring in reinforcements to take care of it.
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