With training camp drawing closer, we will be highlighting the one big question that faces each of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ position groups.
Next up is the linebacker unit, which has become a crowded room in Jacksonville.
Who starts, and who is left off the roster?
The starting spot next to Foye Oluokun is available following Devin Lloyd’s departure. Venrell Miller has been the presumed starter to fill that vacancy, but Branson Combs appears to be pushing him for playing time.
Dennis Gardeck will again be the third linebacker on the field when the Jaguars are in their base 4-3 alignment. Jack Kiser, a fourth-round pick in 2025, was a core special teams contributor last year and is likely to be Oluokun’s backup.
We can anticipate those five players being on the team. But does anyone else make the roster?
Many teams around the NFL will only roster five linebackers, although last year, we saw the Jaguars keep six. Even if they were to do that again, difficult decisions will have to be made.
Jalen McCleod, Parker Hughes, and Yasir Abdullah all have a case to make the team.
McCleod is an obvious backup option for Gardeck and can double as a pass rusher. He was also a “real riser” during offseason programs.
Hughes was a draft pick this past April and adds impressive speed at this position. Abdullah was one of the Jaguars’ more productive special teams players in 2025.
Even if the Jaguars go heavy at this position and roster six players, two will be left on the outside looking in.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2 big questions facing Jaguars linebacker unit in training camp
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
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By Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire | USA TODAY Network
