Jacksonville Jaguars face key training camp battle to replace Devin Lloyd

The Jacksonville Jaguars enter training camp with a major question mark at linebacker, needing to replace All-Pro Devin Lloyd after he signed with Carolina in free agency. The team currently sits 3rd in the AFC with a 13-4 record and an eight-game winning streak, but that momentum could stall if the middle of the defense doesn't hold up.

Who replaces Devin Lloyd for the Jacksonville Jaguars?

Ventrell Miller has been the projected starter next to Foye Oluokun. Miller was in the mix for playing time last summer before Lloyd's breakout season took off.

But it's not a done deal. Branson Combs emerged during offseason programs as a real contender for those snaps. John Shipley of Jaguars on SI wrote that Miller "will not just be handed the linebacker role," and called Combs a "true riser."

Kevin Patra of NFL.com laid out the stakes. "If no one comes to the forefront, the Jags D could be in a rough spot," Patra wrote. "Lacking playmaking in the middle would highlight some of the questions up front, where there wasn't always consistent pressure from the front four."

Why does this matter for the Jaguars' playoff push?

The Jaguars are riding a W8 streak and host the Cleveland Browns on September 13, 2026. That's a short runway to get the linebacker room sorted.

Lloyd didn't just leave a hole — he left an All-Pro-sized crater. His 2025 season was elite, and no single player is expected to replicate it. Linebackers coach Tem Lukabu said it'll be a group effort that extends beyond just the linebacker position.

How Anthony Campanile uses the whole unit matters. Personnel packages, what's asked of the secondary, and the pass rush all factor into making the new starter's job easier. Campanile has a strong track record of getting high-end play out of his linebackers at every stop.

What should fans watch for in camp?

The competition between Miller and Combs will be the main event. Miller has the edge in experience, but Combs has the momentum from spring workouts.

Expect the Jaguars to rotate guys early in camp. The coaching staff needs to see who can handle the run game and who can drop into coverage. Lloyd did both at a high level.

Whoever wins the job won't have to do it alone. The scheme, the pass rush, and the secondary all have to pull their weight. But if nobody steps up, that 13-4 record and eight-game win streak could look like a distant memory fast.

The Jaguars open camp with plenty of talent on the roster. Finding Lloyd's replacement is the biggest puzzle left to solve.