As training camp nears for the Jacksonville Jaguars, we're going to break down the most interesting positional battles that will take place in camp and the preseason. Between starting positions and depth spots, there will be interesting battles up and down the roster.

The inside linebacker position is one of certainty and intriguing questions at the same time. 



The 2022 offseason signing of Foyesade Oluokun turned into a very good one.  The Jaguars signed the former Atlanta Falcon to a 3-year, $45 million contract in March 2022.  Oluokun stepped into the middle and provided a consistent presence at one of the two ILB spots. 

The other?  A wild ride for sure.  Rookies Devin Lloyd and Chad Muma started alongside Oluokun at different parts of the season, and both had their flashes of potential.  



Here's a look at that battle and the fight for roster spots behind them. 

ILB Candidates

Foyesade Oluokun

One of the unquestioned leaders of the Jaguars’ defense, Oluokun led the NFL in tackles in each the last two seasons.  He’s as much of a lineup lock as there is on the defensive side of the ball. 

The only question is whether he ends up with a Pro Bowl season (or even All-Pro), or just another solid one.  The answer will help shape whether the defense takes the step forward it needs to in order to become a true Super Bowl contender. 

Devin Lloyd

The 2022 rookie started his career on fire despite suffering a hamstring injury at the start of training camp, earning NFL defensive rookie of the month honors for September.  However, his play fell off gradually thereafter, with fellow rookie Muma earning two starts before Lloyd regained his starting job. 

Lloyd is going to make the 53-man roster, to be clear.  The question is whether he will do enough to stay ahead of Muma when the team travels to Indianapolis to start the season.  His pass rushing ability will help give him an edge, as that's something the team has indicated it will utilize more this fall.

Chad Muma

Muma earned starts in place of Lloyd against Baltimore and Detroit, where he earned Pro Football Focus grades of 70.3 and 82.8 against the Ravens and 78.2 and 82.3 against the Lions for run defense and tackling, respectively.  His coverage skills will need to improve if he’s to win the starting job. 

Muma will also end up on the initial 53-man roster.  The question is whether he ends up earning the starting spot alongside Oluokun.  If he can impress in the preseason, then he could make it hard for the coaching staff to take him off the field when August is done. 

Shaquille Quarterman

A fourth-round pick by the Jaguars in the 2020 draft, Quarterman has established himself as a solid special teamer.  He earned an impressive 83.6 special teams grade in 317 special teams plays in 2022.  

He also was responsible for one of the most memorable plays of the 2022 season.  Trailing at Tennessee, Quarterman leveled Derrick Henry as the Titans were heading into the red zone, forcing a fumble that ultimately swung the game in Jacksonville's favor.  

He should have the inside track for the fourth LB spot, but he and Ventrell Miller should be an interesting battle to watch.  

Ventrell Miller

It’s hard to know what to make of Miller over the last two seasons, as he’s missed time or been limited by bicep and foot injuries.  However, he’s an athletic and versatile player who played middle and weakside linebacker at Florida.  

If he's 100%, he'll have a chance to earn a spot at the back end of the roster.  However, he's going to have to make a name for himself on special teams in the preseason, as Quarterman and Caleb Johnson have both excelled on Jacksonville's solid special teams units.  

Caleb Johnson

Johnson did himself a major favor in making the 2023 team with his excellent 2022 special teams’ performance.  Cut from the Bears at the end of the preseason, the Jaguars picked him up off waivers on September 1, and he rewarded them for it. 

He likely won't crack the two-deep at the position, given the overall talent and depth of Jacksonville's linebacker group.  However, given the abundance of talent at linebacker, it's very possible the Jaguars keep 5 linebackers on the 53-man roster.  If so, Johnson's special teams skills will give him a strong chance to make the team. 

Dequan Jackson

Jackson likely has the toughest path to the 53-man roster.  Where Jackson signed as an undrafted free agent, the Jaguars invested a fourth-round pick in Miller.  Johnson and Quarterman also have already proven themselves as special teams contributors, where undrafted free agents often make a name for themselves. 

Jackson should get plenty of work in the first and last preseason games particularly. He'll need to make some splash plays on defense while being solid on special teams if he hopes to stay in Jacksonville after the preseason concludes on August 26. 

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The Jaguars' depth at linebacker is among the best on the entire roster.  The top three spots also seem all but secured with Oluokun, Lloyd, and Muma.  

The question becomes, again, who stands out the best out of the remaining bunch on special teams in training camp and in the preseason.  The third preseason game could be very important and impactful for this positional group – and for the careers of some young and talented players. 

Jaguars Training Camp Battle: Running Back

The battle for the RB2 and RB3 spots in Jacksonville will be fierce this fall

Featured image via Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK