5 Intriguing positional battles for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023

No. 1 Jaguars intriguing position battle: Devin Lloyd vs. Chad Muma

Here's one position the Jaguars didn't need to address in the draft but still did by taking Ventrell Miller in the fourth round. Miller is still recovering from a foot surgery he underwent in December but the Jaguars can afford to bring him back slowly due to how stacked their linebacker corps is. As a matter of fact, it wouldn't be shocking to see the former Florida Gator begin the season in the practice squad. That's how crowded the position currently is.

The Jags gave Foyesade Oluokun a three-year contract worth $45 million and he quickly became a staple of their defense. But Oluokun wasn't the only addition the top brass made to the linebacker corps. They also drafted Devin Lloyd in the first round and because one rookie linebacker wasn't enough, they also took Chad Muma in the third.

Oluokun, who registered 100+ total tackles for the second straight season, will be on the starting lineup come Week 1 but the spot next to him is yet to be determined. Lloyd could be given a chance to earn it by virtue of being a former first-round pick. However, Muma flashes starting potential and would deserve the starting job if he outperforms Lloyd.

For context, Lloyd was a Week 1 starter last year even though he missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury. He got off to a hot start, registering two interceptions and six passes defensed in the first three weeks. However, he then began to struggle and was eventually benched in favor of Muma, who showed poise once the game slowed down for him.

Lloyd eventually returned to the starting lineup but that's because Muma got hurt. Now, they'll each have the chance to make the case why they should start next to Oluokun in 2023.