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Analyst Picks Jaguars Most Intriguing Positional Battle
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- Analyst Picks Jaguars Most Intriguing Positional Battle
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Training camp is the land of opportunity.
Whether a player is trying to keep his starting spot, competing for an open job, or just trying to secure a place on the 53-man roster, camp provides the chance to show what he can do.
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Even though the Jacksonville Jaguars are returning most of their key players from last season's stunning 13-4 squad, several training camp competitions are going on that are worthy of attention.
Second-year phenom Travis Hunter is involved in a couple of the most interesting ones.
How will playing time be divided among the Jaguars' talented foursome of wide receivers? Will his new full-time role as a cornerback make him the Jaguars' CB1? Or can Montaric Brown hold him off for that responsibility? So far, it looks like the job is Brown's to lose.
The battle to be Jacksonville's lead running back is also here, even though it took a lot longer to materialize than expected. After being unable to practice all offseason because of injury, the Jaguars' biggest free agent signing, Chris Rodriguez Jr. , is finally back on the field. Can he do enough to make a case over Bhayshul Tuten , who has looked like a potential star in Rodriguez's absence and may already have the job locked up?
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However, the competition to replace All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd , who left in free agency, is the one that at least one analyst believes is Jacksonville's most intriguing. ESPN's Michael DiRocco, in an article highlighting one camp positional battle on each team , thinks the competition between Ventrell Miller and Branson Combs is Jacksonville's most noteworthy.
Miller's Experience Vs Combs' Coverage Ability
Miller has been the assumed choice to take over for Lloyd all offseason. The Jaguars have expressed supreme confidence that he will be up to the task. Combs, however, could be making a late push to unseat Miller.
As DiRocco notes, Miller has the clear edge in experience, having recorded 11 starts over the last two seasons and shown the capability to make plays. It is Combs' coverage ability, which has become vital for LBs in today's NFL, that gives him a chance to win the job.
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"Ventrell Miller and Branson Combs are competing to replace Devin Lloyd, who signed a free agent contract with the Carolina Panthers in the spring. Miller has more experience -- he has 11 starts, seven pass breakups and three forced fumbles over the past two seasons -- but the Jaguars like what they see out of Combs in coverage. Combs made the team last year as an undrafted rookie but played only 28 defensive snaps."
It would be remarkable for an undrafted rookie free agent just a year ago to win a job nobody really thought he could, but Combs has been great all offseason and has earned public praise from head coach Liam Coen.
Lloyd was outstanding in coverage last season. He tied for the team lead with five interceptions, including his 99-yard pick-six against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs that brought the house down.
Combs stands a much better chance to replicate Lloyd's coverage skills. Is that enough to overtake Miller for the starting job?
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Final Thoughts
The competition between Miller and Combs is real, and a lot closer than anyone would have expected earlier in the offseason.
Miller's advantage lies in his experience. He has flashed the ability to be an above-average starting linebacker and was the reason Jacksonville didn't bring in any high-profile LBs to compete for Lloyd's old spot.
Combs has proven that they didn't need to, as healthy competition was already on the roster.
I still believe Miller will win the job, but Combs will make it a fight for the remainder of the offseason. Even if he doesn't start, Combs has likely carved out a sizable role on Anthony Campanile's defense this season.
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The battle between Miller and Combs will be a fun one to watch throughout the rest of camp.
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