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Jaguars’ LB Combs Receiving Praise From Teammates, Coaches
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- Jaguars’ LB Combs Receiving Praise From Teammates, Coaches
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union)
The Jacksonville Jaguars ' linebacker depth is thin after Devin Lloyd's departure , but they have a profound belief in Branson Combs to contribute in his second year.
After Lloyd signed with the Carolina Panthers in free agency, Combs said the coaching staff was talking to him as if they didn't need to replace a vital part of their defense.
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"Saying that we've got the guys in the building that we think are going to be playing on Sunday," Combs told Action Sports Jax's Mia O'Brien .
The former Wake Forest prospect said it was inspiring to hear that from the team. He's made strides to be versatile, playing any linebacker position Jacksonville needs him to.
Combs made an impact on special teams last season, playing 68% of his snaps, according to Pro Football Reference . The then-rookie did see some defensive snaps (4%), totaling three tackles and one forced fumble.
Jacksonville was in a five-way tie with nine fumbles, along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers , Arizona Cardinals , Baltimore Ravens , and New England Patriots . Combs' contributions to the turnover generation in limited snaps are promising.
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His teammate, Foyesade Oluokun , is looking forward to his growth throughout training camp. The 30-year-old saw the rookie Jaguar's work ethic on special teams, complementing his athleticism.
Oluokun said he and Ventrell Miller were dealing with injuries, which prevented them from playing together, and he was looking for the next man up. His gaze naturally shifted to the second-year undrafted player.
"I was looking for the next explosive guy, and I'm looking at Branson," Oluokun told Action Sports Jax's Austen Lane . "I kind of like guys who talk to me a little bit each and every day."
He sees the competitiveness Combs brings to the weight room to prove he belongs in the league. Entering his fifth season in Jacksonville, the 6-foot-2 linebacker is a seasoned veteran the former Demon Deacon can rely on.
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The 23-year-old is competing for significant defensive snaps next season. Jack Kiser , the starting strong-side linebacker, went down with a right knee injury on the first day of training camp. His injury isn't severe, and he is expected to miss a portion of camp.
Combs is the next man up in light of Kiser's absence. Jared Bratlett, who was recently signed , Yasir Abdullah and seventh-round rookie Parker Hughes are his competition.
Abdullah is the longest-tenured Jaguar, but has primarily played special teams throughout his career. All four linebackers have less than 200 defensive snaps, making for an interesting and underrated position battle.
Jacksonville is betting on internal development after a quiet offseason. Combs could be a favorite to receive more snaps next season, as his teammates and coaches see potential to promote him from special teams to a rotational linebacker role.
