1 hr. ago
The conversation surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars' linebacker room has largely centered around who will replace Devin Lloyd, who signed with the Carolina Panthers in free agency. Competition at the position has begun to unfold, and that has received the majority of the attention, but it's worth remembering that the Jaguars already have a strong, reliable linebacker on the roster who often goes overlooked.
Bradley Locker ranked the top 32 linebackers in the NFL for Pro Football Focus, and Foyesade Oluokun came in at No. 15. Locker specifically noted that he tends to be overlooked and underappreciated.
"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."
2025 was another strong year for Oluokun, who had over 100 tackles for the sixth consecutive year; in total, he had 143 tackles (68 solo), one interception, 11 passes defensed, one sack, and two forced fumbles. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 1, and had a career-high in pass deflections.
Liam Coen noted this offseason how Oluokun took a big step forward last year as a coverage defender as well.
#oluokun #year #jacksonville #lloyd
Bradley Locker ranked the top 32 linebackers in the NFL for Pro Football Focus, and Foyesade Oluokun came in at No. 15. Locker specifically noted that he tends to be overlooked and underappreciated.
"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."
2025 was another strong year for Oluokun, who had over 100 tackles for the sixth consecutive year; in total, he had 143 tackles (68 solo), one interception, 11 passes defensed, one sack, and two forced fumbles. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 1, and had a career-high in pass deflections.
Liam Coen noted this offseason how Oluokun took a big step forward last year as a coverage defender as well.
#oluokun #year #jacksonville #lloyd
1 day ago
A very real competition is unfolding at the linebacker position for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
While the thought throughout the offseason was that Ventrell Miller would step into the starting role next to Foye Oluokun, Branson Combs has entered the mix and is pushing for those snaps.
"That's a heated competition in that room," said defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. "It's about stacking days and continuing to produce. But the guys in there are in a good competition and they're all playing hard."
Each linebacker brings a different element to the Jaguars' defense. John Shipley of Jaguars on SI notes the plays in the run game that Miller has made throughout camp, while Combs has stood out as a coverage defender.
"I think Combs has a narrow lead due to his coverage ability," wrote Shipley, "but it certainly feels like the Jaguars are going to let this battle go down to the wire. .. "Right now, it certainly feels like it is too close to call."
#throughout #coverage #certainly
While the thought throughout the offseason was that Ventrell Miller would step into the starting role next to Foye Oluokun, Branson Combs has entered the mix and is pushing for those snaps.
"That's a heated competition in that room," said defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. "It's about stacking days and continuing to produce. But the guys in there are in a good competition and they're all playing hard."
Each linebacker brings a different element to the Jaguars' defense. John Shipley of Jaguars on SI notes the plays in the run game that Miller has made throughout camp, while Combs has stood out as a coverage defender.
"I think Combs has a narrow lead due to his coverage ability," wrote Shipley, "but it certainly feels like the Jaguars are going to let this battle go down to the wire. .. "Right now, it certainly feels like it is too close to call."
#throughout #coverage #certainly
12 days ago
With training camp for the Jacksonville Jaguars getting closer, which players should be on our radars as these practices and preseason games unfold?
As part of our training camp preview, we'll be highlighting one player from each position group to keep your eyes on. In some instances, it may be one of the Jaguars' top players that we'll be watching closely, or it could be a player fighting for playing time or a roster spot.
Up next are the linebackers.
The ******* umption all offseason has been that Ventrell Miller would step into the starting role alongside of Foye Oluokun -- and he very well still could. However, Combs very much seems to be in the mix for that playing time as well.
Following offseason programs, John Shipley of Jaguars on SI wrote that Combs was a "true riser" and that the "expectation" for him should be that he will be competing for the starting job.
#jaguars #combs #camp #time
As part of our training camp preview, we'll be highlighting one player from each position group to keep your eyes on. In some instances, it may be one of the Jaguars' top players that we'll be watching closely, or it could be a player fighting for playing time or a roster spot.
Up next are the linebackers.
The ******* umption all offseason has been that Ventrell Miller would step into the starting role alongside of Foye Oluokun -- and he very well still could. However, Combs very much seems to be in the mix for that playing time as well.
Following offseason programs, John Shipley of Jaguars on SI wrote that Combs was a "true riser" and that the "expectation" for him should be that he will be competing for the starting job.
#jaguars #combs #camp #time
23 days ago
On Jeremy Fowler's annual top linebacker rankings, the Jacksonville Jaguars' Foye Oluokun was briefly mentioned.
What makes Fowler's rankings unique is that they are constructed with the input of 70 NFL execs, coaches, and scouts as the voters. Other elements, such as research, interviews, and film ***** ysis by Matt Bowen, factor in as well.
With all that taken into account, Fowler then compiles the top 10, highlights a few honorable mentions, and notes which players received votes.
Oluokun appeared in the 'receiving votes' category. So of the 70 voters who put their top 10 lists together, at least one had Oluokun in the top 10.
Since arriving in Jacksonville, Oluokun has provided a stable presence at linebacker. He's been extremely durable, playing over 1,100 snaps in three of the last four seasons, and a very reliable tackler throughout his career. He's also shown the ability to get after the quarterback as a blitzer.
What makes Fowler's rankings unique is that they are constructed with the input of 70 NFL execs, coaches, and scouts as the voters. Other elements, such as research, interviews, and film ***** ysis by Matt Bowen, factor in as well.
With all that taken into account, Fowler then compiles the top 10, highlights a few honorable mentions, and notes which players received votes.
Oluokun appeared in the 'receiving votes' category. So of the 70 voters who put their top 10 lists together, at least one had Oluokun in the top 10.
Since arriving in Jacksonville, Oluokun has provided a stable presence at linebacker. He's been extremely durable, playing over 1,100 snaps in three of the last four seasons, and a very reliable tackler throughout his career. He's also shown the ability to get after the quarterback as a blitzer.
