With Devin Lloyd gone, Ventrell Miller is poised to inherit the lead linebacker role, proving his capability and potential impact on defense for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jacksonville Jaguars lost Devin Lloyd in free agency, but coach Liam Coen is confident in Ventrell Miller stepping up after their lead linebacker's departure.
Miller is heading into his fourth year with the Jaguars after they drafted him 121st overall in 2023. The former Florida Gator and Orlando native spent his rookie season on injured reserve after tearing his Achilles tendon in the Jags' final game of the preseason.
The Jaguars have not signed a linebacker so far in free agency, which Coen says should be a sign for Miller that the team believes in his ability to step up.
"Right now, if you're him and we haven't signed anybody yet, you should say, 'Well, at least they believe in me. At least they think I can do it,'" Coen said at the NFL owners meetings on March 31. "Now it's on him and us to go do it together, but also like, 'Dude, now it's time. Now it's time to truly go take it over.'"
Miller, 27, upped his production when Lloyd sustained an ankle injury in Week 6 against the Seattle Seahawks, which sidelined Lloyd for the next two weeks. Miller recorded 20 tackles (eight solo) during his teammate's absence.
Although the Jaguars fourth-round pick will be shouldering a heavier load, there are differences between Miller and the All-Pro he's replacing. Miller does not excel in coverage as does his former teammate, who had seven pass deflections and five interceptions (including a pick-six) last season.
Lloyd also finished the regular season with 81 tackles (35 solo), 10 quarterback hits, six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.
With two starts and 17 appearances on defense and special teams, Miller last season totaled 27 tackles (12 solo), four pass deflections, one interception and one forced fumble. On special teams, he added 11 tackles (five solo) and one forced fumble.
Despite the differences, Miller has shown he can produce in Lloyd's place, as he did in the 2024 season.
The 6-foot linebacker finished the year with 80 tackles (53 solo), 5.5 stuffs, a fumble recovery and three pass deflections. Lloyd ended the season with 33 more tackles, with eight more solo tackles.
Miller keeping up with his former teammate two seasons ago -- and stepping up in three games when he suffered an injury -- highlights the potential Jacksonville believes he has to lead the linebacker core.
With a productive 2026 season, Miller could pave his way to a new, more lucrative contract as an unrestricted free agent, whether with Jacksonville or elsewhere.
Miller's flashes of production in 2024 and when Lloyd missed three games last season instilled confidence in the organization that he can take the next step in his career, and Coen is excited for next season.
"I think Ventrell is made of the right stuff, and I think he cares enough about it from a we-above-me standpoint that he's going to put the time in to do it," Coen said. "And I'm excited about what that could look like."
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!