The Jaguars are staring down a real competition for a starting linebacker spot, and second-year pro Branson Combs is right in the thick of it. This isn't just some camp body, folks; Combs is pushing for some serious playing time, and it's going to be fascinating to watch how this plays out.
From Undrafted to Unexpected Impact
It hasn't been a smooth road for Combs. After the 2025 NFL draft, the Jaguars signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest. But hey, the NFL is tough, and he got released during roster cutdowns last August. Did he quit? Nah. He landed on the practice squad, grinding it out, before earning his way back onto the 53-man roster. By the end of his rookie year, the 6-3, 228-pound linebacker was a core special teams contributor, playing 193 snaps across 11 games and impacting four of the six different phases. That's the kind of grit you love to see, right?The 2026 Linebacker Battle Is Heating Up
Now, heading into his second year, Combs is not just looking for a spot, he's gunning for a starting role. That spot next to Foye Oluokun is wide open, and Combs is "very much in the mix" for those snaps, potentially pushing Ventrell Miller. John Shipley from Jaguars on SI even called Combs a "true riser" during offseason programs, saying the "expectation" should be that he's competing for the starting job. He's 26, he's got a year under his belt, and he's clearly got the coaching staff's attention. Liam Coen raved about him, saying, "Just low-key, he's pretty athletic, like he's explosive. He can do multiple different things in terms of coverage abilities, whether it's in man or zone. I like him in coverage. So being able to communicate at a high level is what he's needed those reps." You hear that? Explosive, versatile in coverage, high-level communicator. Those aren't just polite words, that's real praise.What's Next for Combs?
So, what does this mean for the 2026 season? Combs is absolutely going to be a key player on special teams again, that much is clear. But the big question is whether he can convert this offseason buzz into a legitimate starting role. He's got the athletic gifts and the drive, and he's already shown he can climb the depth chart. Keep an eye on Branson Combs; this kid is looking to make a massive jump, and it could be a huge story for the Jaguars this year.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.