Ventrell Miller Shares Linebacker Spot for Jacksonville Jaguars

In the NFL, position battles often yield unexpected results—some players earn full-time starts, others take on reserve roles, and occasionally, a shared spot emerges as the best fit for the team. For Ventrell Miller, the 2025 season brings a unique opportunity: the third-year linebacker will split time at middle linebacker with veteran Devin Lloyd for the Jacksonville Jaguars, a decision defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell announced ahead of training camp. Miller, a 2023 third-round pick out of Florida, showed flashes of potential in his first two seasons—recording 95 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles—but injuries and inconsistent play kept him from locking down a full-time role. Lloyd, a 2022 first-round pick, has been a steady presence but struggled with pass coverage last season, allowing 6 receptions for 85 yards in key third-down situations. The shared role isn’t a compromise; it’s a strategic move to leverage both players’ strengths—Miller’s run-stopping physicality and Lloyd’s coverage ability—while minimizing their weaknesses. For the Jaguars, this platoon system could be the key to shoring up a linebacking corps that ranked 23rd in run defense last season, and Ventrell Miller Shares Linebacker Spot for Jacksonville Jaguars is the story of how this unique arrangement came to be.

Ventrell Miller Shares Linebacker Spot for Jacksonville Jaguars begins with a look at Miller’s path to this shared role. After a standout college career at Florida, where he was a first-team All-SEC selection, Miller entered the NFL with high expectations. His rookie season was derailed by a knee injury that limited him to 8 games, but he bounced back in 2024, starting 11 games and finishing third on the team in tackles. However, his struggles in pass coverage—he allowed a 72% completion rate when targeted—made Caldwell hesitant to give him full-time reps. Meanwhile, Lloyd, who started all 17 games in 2024, excelled in coverage but struggled to stop the run, especially against power rushing attacks. This offseason, Caldwell decided to experiment with a platoon system during voluntary workouts: Miller would take reps in run-heavy packages, while Lloyd would handle passing downs. The results were promising: the Jaguars’ run defense allowed just 3.8 yards per carry in scrimmages when Miller was on the field, and their pass coverage surrendered a 58% completion rate with Lloyd in the game. By the end of minicamp, Caldwell made the arrangement official, noting, “Ventrell and Devin complement each other perfectly. This system lets us put both players in positions to succeed.”

A closer look at Miller’s skill set reveals why he’s a perfect fit for run-heavy packages—and how he complements Lloyd. At 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, Miller is a physical linebacker with strong tackling instincts and the ability to shed blocks quickly. His greatest strength is stopping the run: he’s recorded 78 run stops in his first two seasons, including 12 tackles for loss, and he’s especially effective at plugging gaps in the middle of the defensive line. During training camp, he showcased this skill repeatedly, including a sequence in a scrimmage against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he tackled running back Rachaad White for a 3-yard loss on back-to-back plays. Miller’s physicality also makes him a threat as a blitzer: he recorded 3 sacks in 2024, often using his strength to beat offensive linemen at the line of scrimmage. While his pass coverage remains a work in progress, he’s improved during the offseason, working with linebackers coach Mark Collins Sr. on reading quarterbacks and dropping into zone coverage. This growth means he can occasionally stay on the field in mixed packages, giving Caldwell more flexibility. For the Jaguars, Miller’s run-stopping ability is a critical asset, especially against AFC South rivals like the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts, who rely heavily on the run game.

A critical factor in Ventrell Miller Shares Linebacker Spot for Jacksonville Jaguars is how the platoon system impacts the Jaguars’ overall defensive strategy. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense has long been a mix of run-stopping and pass-rushing, but the linebacker platoon allows Caldwell to be more aggressive in other areas. For example, when Miller is on the field in run packages, Caldwell can send extra blitzes from the edge, knowing Miller will hold the middle of the field. When Lloyd is in the game for passing downs, the Jaguars can drop an extra defensive back into coverage, using Lloyd’s ability to cover tight ends and running backs to create a more balanced secondary. This flexibility has already paid off in preseason games: against the Miami Dolphins, the Jaguars allowed just 4.1 yards per carry and held quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a 61% completion rate. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this system isn’t just about the linebackers—it’s about making the entire defense more versatile. As Caldwell explained, “When you have players who excel in specific areas, you build your strategy around that. This platoon lets us maximize our strengths on every down.” This versatility will be key against teams with dynamic offenses, like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, who can switch between run and pass at a moment’s notice.

Another key aspect of Ventrell Miller Shares Linebacker Spot for Jacksonville Jaguars is the chemistry between Miller and Lloyd—and how they’ve embraced the shared role. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ locker room can sometimes be tense when players compete for starting jobs, but Miller and Lloyd have taken a collaborative approach. They meet regularly to review film, discussing which packages work best for each player and how they can support each other on the field. During practice, they often stay late to work on drills together, with Miller helping Lloyd improve his run-stopping technique and Lloyd teaching Miller tips for pass coverage. This teamwork has set a positive tone for the entire linebacking corps, with younger players like rookie fifth-round pick Drew Sanders looking up to them as examples. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this chemistry is just as important as their on-field skills; a cohesive linebacking unit can communicate better, make faster decisions, and avoid the misalignments that lead to big plays. Miller summed it up best when he said, “This isn’t about me or Devin—it’s about the team. If splitting time helps us win, that’s what we’ll do.” This selfless attitude has earned them respect from coaches and teammates alike, and it’s a big reason why the platoon system is expected to succeed.

As the Jaguars prepare for the 2025 regular season, Ventrell Miller Shares Linebacker Spot for Jacksonville Jaguars remains one of the most intriguing storylines for the team. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this platoon system is a test of innovation—can a shared linebacker spot lead to a more effective defense, or will the lack of a full-time starter create confusion? Early signs are promising: the Jaguars’ defense ranked 10th in total yards allowed in preseason games, and Miller and Lloyd combined for 28 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception. Their first real test will come in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, who have a balanced offense led by running back Miles Sanders and quarterback Andy Dalton. How Miller handles Sanders in run packages and Lloyd covers Panthers tight end Ian Thomas in passing downs will be a early indicator of the system’s success. Regardless of the outcome, Miller has already proven he belongs in the rotation—he’s gone from an injured rookie to a key contributor, and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to help the Jaguars win. In the end, Ventrell Miller Shares Linebacker Spot for Jacksonville Jaguars is more than a roster arrangement; it’s a story of adaptability and teamwork—a reminder that sometimes, the best way to build a winning team is to put ego aside and focus on what’s best for the group. And for the Jaguars, that focus could be the difference between a playoff berth and another disappointing season.