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Jaguars training camp battles: Multiple competitions at linebacker
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- Jaguars training camp battles: Multiple competitions at linebacker
Training camp for the Jacksonville Jaguars kicks off in about a month, so as part of our preview of what's to come, we will be evaluating each positional battle that is expected to unfold.
What took place during offseason programs laid the foundation for each of these competitions and provided us with some insights into where things may stand. That said, what takes place during training camp and the preseason will ultimately determine who wins these roles.
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Up next is the linebacker position.
What Jaguars training camp competition is taking place at linebacker?
There are two position battles worth watching at this position for the Jaguars . The first is for the starting role next to Foye Oluokun . From the sounds of it , Branson Combs is pushing Ventrell Miller for those snaps.
Beyond that competition, it remains to be seen how the back end of this depth chart will shake out. We can likely expect Oluokun, Miller, Combs, Jack Kiser , and Dennis Gardeck to be on the team. That then leaves potentially just one roster spot available -- although not every team keeps six linebackers -- for Jalen McLeod , Parker Hughes, and Yasir Abdullah to compete for.
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What we learned about the Jaguars' linebacker position during offseason programs
As mentioned, Combs, who emerged as a special teams player last year, could carve out a role defensively this season. Here is what John Shipley of Jaguars on SI had to say in a recent article:
"Miller will not just be handed the linebacker role in 2026," Shipley wrote. "Former undrafted linebacker Branson Combs was a true riser during the offseason program and the expectation should be for him to push Miller for the starting spot next to Oluokun. With Oluokun getting some veteran rest periods during team drills in the offseason, this gave both Miller and Combs a chance to get as many reps as they could in comparison to one another."
And when it comes to that final roster spot or two, keep your eyes on McLeod , who, according to Shipley, was able to stand out as a pass rusher. Like Gardeck, he brings a versatile skill set to the linebacker position.
Prediction: How do things play out at linebacker?
As of now, I'll still give Miller the edge when it comes to that starting job, but this does seem to be turning into a full-blown competition. When it comes to the final roster spots, I'll have McLeod ahead of Hughes and Abdullah, given his pass-rush presence. Hughes, as the recent draft pick, gets the edge over Abdullah.
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This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars training camp battles: Multiple competitions at linebacker
