Okay, so the Jacksonville Jaguars are staring down a huge question mark on defense this season, with All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd gone in free agency after a monster breakout year. He snagged second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors last season, so yeah, that's a massive hole to fill. The big talk through the offseason has been all about how they even *begin* to replace that kind of production.
Ventrell Miller Is Stepping Into The Spotlight
It looks like the responsibility for filling those shoes is falling squarely on Ventrell Miller. He's mostly been a rotational guy, but word is he crushed it in training camp last year, and honestly, he just keeps getting better every season. This could totally be his breakout year, and if it is, the Jags might actually miss Lloyd way less than all the analysts are predicting. Miller is a beast against the run, and get this: he forced turnovers last season even with super limited snaps. If he can rise to the occasion, Miller could seriously elevate the entire defense right along with him. That's the kind of impact player every team needs.Ruke Orhorhoro Is The Interior Disruptor The Jags Need
But Miller isn't the only X-factor on that defense. The Jags really struggled to get consistent pressure from their interior defensive line, especially late in 2025. You know how crucial that is to wrecking an offensive play. So, the addition of Ruke Orhorhoro is a huge deal. This dude, who played for Atlanta last season primarily on passing downs, cranked out 30 pressures and four sacks. Think about that! Among 121 defensive tackles, he was tied for 51st in PFF's pass rush productivity metric. A quick push and steady pressure up the middle is the absolute best way to mess with a quarterback, and if Orhorhoro can consistently bring that, it’s going to make a massive difference for the Jags' defense this season. So, as we look ahead, the big question for the Jags is whether Miller and Orhorhoro can deliver on this potential. If these two can step up big, they won't just fill holes; they could transform that defense. It's all about how they perform as the season kicks off. Get ready to watch these guys.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.