With Devin Lloyd gone, Foye Oluokun must anchor Jacksonville's defense. One of the league’s top tackling machines now looks to shed his underrated status and dominate as the unit's undisputed leader.
One of the biggest concerns for the Jacksonville Jaguars this season is whether the defense can overcome the loss of linebacker Devin Lloyd.
Lloyd, fresh off being selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time and earning Second-Team All-Pro honors, left Duval for the Carolina Panthers in free agency. The Jaguars opted against making any high-profile additions to replace Lloyd, instead going with an internal competition between Ventrell Miller and Branson Combs to take Lloyd's starting spot.
No matter who wins the camp battle between Miller and Combs, the Jaguars will be counting on LB Foye Oluokun to reach another level this season. Without Lloyd, Oluokun has become the leader of the LB room and one of the most important players on Jacksonville's defense.
While Oluokun may not be a household name, he has proven himself as one of the league's most consistent and productive LBs. He led the NFL in tackles in both 2021, his last season with the Atlanta Falcons, and 2022, his first season in Jacksonville. Since entering the league in 2018, Oluokun's 1,061 total tackles are the third-most in the NFL.
Despite his outstanding production, Oluokun has never made a Pro Bowl or been named to an All-Pro team.
Even without the individual accolades, Oluokun has been recognized as one of the NFL's best linebackers. PFF recently placed him 15th in its rankings of the NFL's 32 best linebackers.
Could Be Even Better Without Lloyd
Interestingly, Oluokun has generally earned higher PFF grades in coverage than he has against the run. He has, however, been the 10th-highest-graded LB overall since 2023, earning his reputation as one of the game's best.
PFF wonders if, now that Lloyd is gone, Oluokun can take his run defense to another level.
"Oluokun still isn’t a household name, but his play warrants legitimate attention. Since 2023, he ranks 10th in overall PFF grade (78.0) among qualified linebackers, taking off ever since he arrived in Jacksonville. Although Oluokun has been strong in coverage — including placing fifth at the position in 2025 — he could stand to augment his run defense, which has never exceeded a 73.6 grade. Perhaps leading a Jaguars defense now without Lloyd could enable him to do just that."
Having Lloyd playing next to him has made it easy for Oluokun to be overlooked, and he has thrived on it. Now, without Lloyd for the first time since coming to Jacksonville, the 31-year-old will be thrust into a bigger leadership role and will receive more attention from the media, fans, and opposing offenses.
He will be needed to keep up his incredible production, no matter who wins the competition between Miller and Combs. Miller is more of a traditional downhill LB who can be a thumper against the run, while Combs (who only has 28 career snaps on defense) excels in coverage.
Oluokun will need to step up his run defense without Lloyd, especially if Combs starts alongside him.
Final Thoughts
The Jaguars' defense was best in the NFL against the run last season. Much of that was due to Lloyd's ability to fly around the field and make plays everywhere.
To remain one of the best defenses in the league, Jacksonville needs Oluokun to up his game to help make up for the loss of Lloyd. Already one of the NFL's best tacklers, he now must become more of a leader and will be a centerpiece of the defense.
It is great to see Oluokun be recognized for his amazing production. Now that Lloyd is out of the picture, many more people will become familiar with Oluokun and his game.
Oluokun should continue to thrive without Lloyd and finally earn the notoriety he deserves around the league. This season could finally see him selected to his first Pro Bowl.
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