After failing to live up to his draft billing in past years, linebacker Devin Lloyd had a breakout season in 2025. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars opted not to make an aggressive effort to re-sign in free agency. Part of the decision stemmed from the fact that they had Ventrell Miller ready to step in the shoes.
Miller had previously flashed potential, so letting Lloyd bolt for the Carolina Panthers made sense. Heck, head coach Liam Coen stated that the former Florida Gator should be thrilled that Jacksonville didn't bring in anyone to compete with him. But maybe didn't have to because they also had sophomore Branson Combs.
Even though Miller made a strong impression throughout the offseason program, Combs has been one of the biggest risers, with Coen stating he's one of the most improved players last year. Heck, the sophomore linebacker has shown so much progress that maybe he could compete with Miller for the starting spot next to Foyesade Oluokun.
Branson Combs has been a star at Jaguars OTAs
After going undrafted in 2025, Branson Combs signed with the Jaguars. He began the regular season on the practice squad. He was routinely promoted on Game Day and was ultimately signed to the active roster in November. The former Wake Forest Demon Deacon ended up appearing in 10 games, registering nine total tackles and one forced fumble. Most of his playing time came on special teams (177 snaps), but he also saw playing time at linebacker (28 snaps).
While the Jags probably expected Combs to improve, they probably didn't imagine that he would have a surge in the offseason program. Now, he could be in a position to challenge Ventrell Miller in training camp.
Ventrell Miller may need to fend off Branson Combs at Jaguars training camp
A fourth-round pick in 2023, Ventrell Miller missed his rookie campaign with an Achilles tear but flashed the following year, even outplaying Devin Lloyd. But despite his encouraging outing, Miller was the backup behind Lloyd last season.
With Lloyd now out of the picture, Miller seemingly had a clear path to the starting lineup. After all, Jacksonville steered clear of Quay Walker, Nakobe Dan and other linebackers in free agency. Similarly, the Jags were dubbed a landing spot for Jacob Rodriguez and Anthony Hill Jr. in the draft, but the team passed on both, and understandably so.
The expectation is that Miller will start next to Foyesade Oluokun, but Combs may have gotten a legitimate chance to seize the job in training camp. He'll need to show that he can deliver when the pads come on.
It's worth pointing out that Miller is entering a contract year, so he could be incentivized to post a breakout season like Lloyd did in 2025.
That would mean that Branson Combs may have to wait until 2027 to have a shot at seizing the starting job, but also that the Jaguars would already have a viable replacement ready to step in Ventrell Miller's place in case he leaves.
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