The Jacksonville Jaguars are soon getting linebacker Foyesade Olukoun back in the fold. During his absence, sophomore Ventrell Miller has stepped up. Head coach Doug Pederson doesn't rule out the possibility of having both of them on the field, which doesn't bode well for former first-round pick Devin Lloyd.
Pederson met with the local media ahead of Week 8. He talked about Oluokun's imminent return and Miller's ascension, noting that the latter could get playing time at the expense of Lloyd.
"I would say, short answer is yes. I think you want your best 11 on the field, whatever that looks like, "Pederson said when asked if Oluokun and Miller could be on the field together moving forward."And sometimes doesn't necessarily have to be the best football player, but the one that does things right the most. But I do still think that there's, there's enough of a rotational piece with those guys."
Pederson continued, "I think that's one of the positions that has gotten better these last couple of weeks has been the linebacker. Devin in the middle has gotten better. Ventrell, he's improved. And now, with the addition of Foye coming back, if he's if he's ready to go, you got your combinations back that you want."
Oluokun, a mainstay of the defense since he signed with the Jags in 2022. He landed on the Injured Reserve list after Week 3 while he recovered from a foot injury. Heading into Week 8, the team has activated his 21-day window to return to practice. Miller has stepped in his place during his absence, posting 37 total tackles in the past four games.
Following Pederson's remarks, Mark Long of the Associated Press was quick to point out that the head coach was taking a not-so-subtle jab at Lloyd.
Not sure how he could have taken a bigger shot at 33 than this: https://t.co/EjGvnxv2JO
— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) October 23, 2024
The Jaguars must choose Ventrell Miller over Devin Lloyd if he gives them the best chance to win
Lloyd hasn't necessarily been bad, but he hasn't been great either. The issue is that he was the 27th overall pick in 2022 and the Jaguars probably expected more when they moved back into the first round to select him. Heck, he's been the subject of trade fodder ahead of the November 5 deadline precisely because he's been somewhat underwhelming.
Add the fact that Miller, a fourth-round pick in last year's draft, has made the most out of his playing time, and it's easy to see why Pederson suggested reducing Lloyd's playing time when Oluokun returns.
That said, the Jaguars probably won't want to give up on Devin Lloyd just yet. Having invested a first-round pick on him, they'll wait for him to put it all together and hold onto him until they can no longer justify keeping him around. For the time being, though, the coaching staff must consider keeping Ventrell Miller in the starting lineup. He deserves it.
Heading into Week 8, the Jacksonville Jaguars are 2-5 and looking to steer the ship in the right direction. For that to happen, their defense will need to play better, and keeping Ventrell Miller on the field once Foyesade Oluokun returns could most definitely help.