Undrafted Branson Combs is challenging for a starting role, impressing veteran Foye Oluokun with elite coverage skills and a competitive spirit that could win him the job.
One of the surprises thus far during the Jacksonville Jaguars' training camp has been the play of linebacker Branson Combs.
How the Jaguars would replace Devin Lloyd, who left in free agency after an All-Pro season, was possibly the biggest question mark surrounding the team all offseason. Since the team didn't make any high-profile additions to find Lloyd's successor, either in free agency or the draft, most assumed Ventrell Miller was in line to take over.
Miller has 11 games of starting experience and has played well enough to earn the praise of head coach Liam Coen. It looked like Miller was basically running unopposed for Lloyd's old job.
However, Miller is receiving an unexpected challenge from 2025 undrafted free agent Branson Combs. The competition between Miller and Combs looks like it will go down to the wire, with Combs' elite coverage ability being weighed against Miller's style as a run-stuffing thumper.
The linebacker who will be starting next to either Combs or Miller, Foye Oluokun, has had a front-row seat to Combs' development. Oluokun, who was recently ranked among the best LBs in the NFL, is one of the league's most productive tacklers and has been impressed with what he has seen from Combs.
Oluokun knows what it's like to be overlooked, and may see a bit of himself in Combs.
According to Paul Bretl of Jaguars Wire, Oluokun has been impressed with the way Combs has taken advantage of his increased opportunities.
Learning From His Mistakes
One thing Oluokun has noticed is that Combs isn't making the same mistakes he made a year ago, when he landed on the practice squad after not making the 53-man roster.
"I wouldn't say we had the exact same path coming in," Oluokun said, "but I was a late-round guy. he was undrafted guy, but kind of seeing his role getting the opportunity to increase, get some plays on the field, meaningful plays on the field from the end of last year coming into this year, giving him an opportunity to compete for some more plays.
"I love seeing his competitive spirit and he kind of rises to the occasion no matter what he's put in," Oluokun added. "He's coming back not making the same mistakes as before and now letting his athletic ability show. So, I just love seeing him grow as a player, as a person, but somebody who I can trust when he's next to me as well. So very exciting. But same thing, more competition in the room. Everybody's getting better. So that's what I love to see the most."
It will be hard for anyone to replace the kind of production the Jaguars' defense got from Lloyd last season. One of Lloyd's biggest strengths was his coverage ability. Lloyd grabbed five interceptions in 2025, including his game-changing 99-yard pick-six against Patrick Mahomes.
Combs would be Jacksonville's best option to replace Lloyd's playmaking in coverage. Will that be enough to win the job over Miller?
Final Thoughts
Oluokun has been one of the league's most productive linebackers for years. Earning his praise is no simple task because he is going to have to trust the LB lined up next to him.
Combs is beginning to earn that trust from both his teammates and his coaches. His ability to turn the competition with Miller into a legit battle was unexpected but has become one of the most interesting of training camp.
Oluokun has been impressed by what he has seen from Combs so far. How his battle with Miller unfolds will be one of the top storylines to follow for the rest of the preseason.
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