Although the assumption has been that Ventrell Miller will start at linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars next to Foye Oluokun, a potential full-blown training camp competition for that role could be brewing.
And pushing Miller for that playing time could be an unlikely candidate.
John Shipley of Jaguars on SI recently highlighted four training camp battles worth watching, one of which was at linebacker between Miller and Branson Combs.
Previously, Shipley had this to say following the conclusion of offseason programs.
“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.”
A UDFA from the 2025 NFL draft, Combs began last season on the practice squad before emerging as a special teams contributor. However, from the sounds of it, this spring he was getting his share of opportunities on defense.
Miller has experience on his side, and last training camp, he was pushing Devin Lloyd for playing time. That said, Combs has seemingly been able to capitalize on the opportunities that have come his way, with Coen taking notice as well.
“Branson’s a guy obviously that we had a lot of like for last year,” Coen said during minicamp. “He was close to getting claimed. We ended up putting him on the active roster and he may win the Iron Jag of the Year at this pace. I know he’s leading the group right now, leading the team in the individual award. Just low-key, he’s pretty athletic, like he’s explosive. He can do multiple different things in terms of coverage abilities, whether it’s in man or zone. I like him in coverage.
“I think he’s done a nice job with Foye not getting as many reps in some of the team settings with he and Jack having to get more of those. So being able to communicate at a high level is what he’s needed those reps.”
Since Liam Coen arrived, the Jaguars have embraced competition throughout the roster. There is no reason to think they won’t do the same at linebacker.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Under the radar Jaguars defender pushing Ventrell Miller for playing time
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire | USA TODAY Network
