As defensive stalwarts depart, PFF breakout candidate Ventrell Miller and versatile safety Caleb Ransaw emerge as high-upside playmakers ready to anchor Jacksonville’s evolving young defense.
After losing key contributors on the defensive side of the ball, the Jacksonville Jaguars' younger talent is stepping into larger roles.
On Wednesday, Pro Football Focus identified third-year linebacker Ventrell Miller as a "breakout candidate," as the former Florida Gator will have increased responsibility after Devin Lloyd's departure in free agency.
Miller had a disappointing season last year after recording 80 total tackles, three passes defensed and a forced fumble as a rookie.
But, PFF highlighted Miller's grades, where he excelled in run defense and pass coverage, especially when packed in the box.
Miller's run defense grade was his most glaring strength, grading in within the 95th percentile.
However, Miller is a bit undersized for his position, standing at just six-feet tall. He also had a late start to his NFL career, joining the league as a 24-year-old rookie.
With tackle machine Foyesade Oluokun by his side, Jacksonville will want to utilize Miller's 88th percentile grade in coverage within the box, and an 84th percentile rank in slot defense.
Second year safety Caleb Ransaw also has a big opportunity ahead of him, kicking off his NFL career after missing his rookie campaign with an injury.
While Jacksonville's cornerbacks could use a boost, Ransaw will likely play safety, using his speed and range to attack ball carriers and prevent long completions.
Ransaw, who played his college ball at Tulane, played under new Florida head coach Jon Sumrall, who recently talked about his versatility.
"He's got the physical giftedness to play a lot of different spots in the secondary, but he is also smart and can adapt and evolve and go play a lot of different spots," Sumrall said.
With the developments regarding Travis Hunter's role, Ransaw would be a valuable part of the Jaguars' safety group, providing defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile with a rover-type player.
Former Jacksonville linebacker Tom McManus recently highlighted Ransaw on 1010XL Jaguars radio show, specifically expressing excitement about him and Wyatt Milum.
"But Caleb Ransaw, same deal. Like, you should feel really good. You should know the book now. You got to get used to the the the instincts, you know, the reactionary instincts and all that. Just playing the position," McManus said. "But I know you've been working on your back pedal, twisting, turning, cutting, going deep, cutting it off, breaking, coming up, whatever. Working on man-to-man, working on zone. You should feel very confident. Hopefully, for both these guys, the injuries are out of their heads."
If Ransaw can live up to these projections, both he and Miller could be in for big time seasons with the Jaguars young and hungry defense.
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