Devin Lloyd and Ventrell Miller Named Co-Starters for Jacksonville Jaguars

In the NFL, defining starting roles often involves tough choices—but for the Jacksonville Jaguars, naming Devin Lloyd and Ventrell Miller as co-starters at linebacker represents a strategic decision to leverage the unique strengths of both players, rather than forcing a single standout. The announcement, made by Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell ahead of the 2024 regular season, marks a shift from the team’s traditional single-starter approach at the position, reflecting a desire to create a more dynamic and adaptable linebacker corps. Devin Lloyd and Ventrell Miller Named Co-Starters for Jacksonville Jaguars is more than a roster update; it’s a recognition of how both players have grown since joining the team—Lloyd as a 2022 first-round pick with Pro Bowl potential, and Miller as a 2023 third-round selection who exceeded expectations as a rookie. After a preseason where the pair combined for 32 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 2 pass breakups, the Jaguars’ coaching staff realized that splitting snaps between them wouldn’t just keep both players fresh—it would make the defense harder to game-plan for, as opponents would have to prepare for two distinct playstyles in the same game.

Devin Lloyd and Ventrell Miller Named Co-Starters for Jacksonville Jaguars shines a light on the complementary skill sets that make this pairing so effective. Lloyd, at 6’3” and 235 pounds, is a rangy, athletic linebacker with elite coverage skills, excelling at dropping back into zone defense or matching up with tight ends in man-to-man situations. In 2023, he led the Jaguars in pass breakups by a linebacker (7) and recorded 2 interceptions, including a game-sealing pick against the Tennessee Titans in Week 16. His ability to read quarterbacks’ eyes and close quickly on receivers has made him a staple in the Jaguars’ nickel packages, where he often lines up as a pseudo-safety to counter pass-heavy offenses. Miller, meanwhile, is a physical, run-stopping specialist at 6’1” and 230 pounds, with a knack for plugging gaps and tackling ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage. As a rookie, he led the team in tackles for loss (9) and was second in total tackles (102), using his low center of gravity and strength to shed blocks and disrupt running plays. Together, they form a “two-way” linebacker duo: Lloyd handles the pass defense, Miller anchors the run stop, and both can rotate roles depending on the down and distance. This balance addresses a longstanding Jaguars weakness—struggling to handle both run and pass threats at linebacker—and turns it into a strength.

Devin Lloyd and Ventrell Miller Named Co-Starters for Jacksonville Jaguars also reflects the Jaguars’ commitment to flexibility in their defensive scheme, which has evolved under Caldwell to be more adaptive to opponents’ strengths. In base 4-3 sets, the pair will line up as the middle and weakside linebackers, with Miller focusing on run defense and Lloyd roaming to cover passing lanes. In nickel packages (used roughly 60% of the time in the NFL), Miller may come off the field for an extra defensive back—but Caldwell has emphasized that both players will still see significant snaps, with Lloyd shifting to a hybrid role and Miller coming in for short-yardage run situations. This versatility was on full display in the Jaguars’ final preseason game against the Miami Dolphins: on first and 10 (run-heavy down), Miller started and made a tackle for loss; on third and 7 (pass-heavy down), Lloyd took over and broke up a pass intended for a Dolphins tight end. By tailoring their snaps to the situation, the Jaguars can maximize each player’s impact while minimizing their weaknesses—Lloyd’s occasional struggles with run defense, Miller’s limitations in coverage. Caldwell summed it up best: “Why choose one when you can have both? They make each other better, and they make our defense better.”

Devin Lloyd and Ventrell Miller Named Co-Starters for Jacksonville Jaguars has a direct impact on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ ability to compete in the tough AFC South, where divisional rivals like the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans boast dynamic running games and pass-heavy attacks. The Colts, led by Jonathan Taylor, have one of the league’s top rushing offenses, while the Texans’ C.J. Stroud-led passing attack ranks in the top 10 in yards per game. For the Jaguars to win the division, they need to shut down Taylor’s runs and limit Stroud’s connections to Nico Collins—and Lloyd and Miller are key to that plan. Against the Colts, Miller will be tasked with plugging gaps to stop Taylor, while Lloyd will focus on covering Colts tight end Kylen Granson, who was a favorite target of Gardner Minshew in 2023. Against the Texans, Lloyd will shadow Collins in certain packages, while Miller will help disrupt the Texans’ screen passes, which Stroud uses to get the ball to Dell quickly. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ divisional success in 2023 was inconsistent—they split games with the Colts and lost twice to the Texans—but with Lloyd and Miller as co-starters, the defense has a clearer path to neutralizing those rivals. This pairing doesn’t just improve the Jaguars’ linebacker corps; it elevates the entire defense, making them a more legitimate threat to win the AFC South and make a deep playoff run.

Devin Lloyd and Ventrell Miller Named Co-Starters for Jacksonville Jaguars also highlights the trust the Jaguars’ coaching staff and front office have placed in their young defensive core, which includes other emerging talents like cornerback Tyson Campbell and defensive end Travon Walker. Lloyd, entering his third season, and Miller, in his second, are part of a “young core” the Jaguars have built through the draft over the past three years—a group intended to be the foundation of the defense for the next five to seven seasons. By naming them co-starters, the Jaguars are not just rewarding their performance; they’re investing in their development, giving them the reps and responsibility to grow into leaders on the field. Head coach Doug Pederson has noted that both players have taken on more vocal roles in practice, calling out assignments and encouraging teammates—signs of their growing leadership. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ front office, led by general manager Trent Baalke, has prioritized drafting and developing defensive talent, and the Lloyd-Miller pairing is a product of that strategy. Unlike previous years, when the Jaguars relied on veteran free agents to fill linebacker holes, they’re now building from within—a approach that fosters continuity and team chemistry. This trust in youth is a sign of the Jaguars’ confidence that they’re ready to compete for championships, not just rebuild.

Devin Lloyd and Ventrell Miller Named Co-Starters for Jacksonville Jaguars concludes with the long-term implications of this decision, which could reshape how the Jaguars and other NFL teams approach the linebacker position. If the co-starter model succeeds, it may become a blueprint for teams with complementary linebacker talents, proving that splitting snaps doesn’t have to be a compromise—it can be a strategic advantage. For the Jaguars, this pairing is a key piece of their goal to win the AFC South and reach the Super Bowl, as a strong linebacker corps is often the backbone of championship defenses. Individually, the roles could boost both players’ careers: Lloyd may solidify his status as a top coverage linebacker, while Miller could establish himself as one of the league’s best run-stopping specialists. If they continue to develop, both could earn Pro Bowl nods in the coming years, further elevating the Jaguars’ defensive reputation. Devin Lloyd and Ventrell Miller Named Co-Starters for Jacksonville Jaguars is more than a preseason announcement; it’s a statement of intent from the Jaguars—they’re no longer a rebuilding team, but a contender willing to think differently to win. As the 2024 season begins, all eyes will be on Lloyd and Miller, to see if their unique partnership can turn the Jaguars’ defense into one of the NFL’s elite—and lead the team to its first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.