A big opportunity awaits Jacksonville Jaguars’ linebacker Ventrell Miller this season. The fourth-year linebacker will have the opportunity to compete for a starting role, following Devin Lloyd’s departure in free agency.
Over the last two seasons, Miller has filled a rotational role defensively off the bench and made some spot starts when needed.
“I’m excited for the year,” Miller said while on the O-Zone podcast. “I also know nothing is really handed to you, so I have to go out and work and earn whatever I get. So, I’m excited. I feel like things are falling into place for me a little bit, getting to know the system better the second year in, so I’m feeling confident and comfortable going into it this year.”
While Lloyd signing with Carolina can certainly leave a big void to fill in the middle of the defense following an All-Pro level season from him in 2025, the Jaguars have remained bullish about Miller stepping into that starting role, alongside Foye Oluokun.
This was evident with how the Jaguars approached the offseason, by not making any major additions at the linebacker position.
Also, not to be forgotten, but before Lloyd took off last season, Miller also impressed during training camp and the preseason. So much so that on the Jaguars’ unofficial depth chart prior to Week 1, one of the starting linebacker roles was listed as Devin Lloyd or Ventrell Miller.
Helping Miller step into a much more significant role will be Anthony Campanile and his defensive scheme. Not only with Lloyd, but going back to Campanile’s time in Green Bay and Miami, linebackers have often thrived under his coaching.
Miller will enter the 2026 season having appeared in 32 career games, while making 11 starts. He’s recorded 118 tackles, three forced fumbles, one interception, and seven pass deflections.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Ventrell Miller ‘excited’ for opportunity ahead in Jaguars’ defense
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
