Forget what you thought you knew about the Jaguars’ linebacker depth chart, because Branson Combs is making some serious noise as training camp gets closer. This second-year undrafted free agent linebacker isn’t just “in the mix” for playing time, he is apparently gunning for a starting spot. All offseason, the buzz has been that Ventrell Miller would slide right into a starting role next to Foye Oluokun, and hey, that still might happen. But from everything we’re hearing, Combs is absolutely challenging that assumption, and it’s getting exciting.
From Practice Squad Hero to Starter Contender?
This isn’t some brand-new face popping up out of nowhere. Last season, Combs put in the work, earning his spot on the 53-man roster after starting on the practice squad. He didn’t just warm the bench either. He became a *core* special teams contributor, which is massive for a young player looking to prove his worth. We’re talking 193 snaps over 11 games, contributing to four of the six different special teams phases. That’s a ton of vital experience for a guy who wasn’t drafted. John Shipley over at Jaguars on SI even called him a “true riser” after offseason programs, straight up saying the “expectation” for Combs should be that he’s competing for that starting job. You don’t get that kind of hype for nothing, right? This dude clearly showed something in those limited snaps last year and kept building on it this offseason.
The “Low-Key Athletic” Truth
So what exactly makes Combs such a compelling player to watch? Well, offensive coordinator Liam Coen, someone who sees these guys day in and day out, laid it out pretty clearly. Coen said, “Just low-key, he’s pretty athletic, like he’s explosive.” That’s not a small compliment coming from a coach. He went on to highlight Combs’ versatility, noting, “He can do multiple different things in terms of coverage abilities, whether it’s in man or zone. I like him in coverage.” That’s huge in today’s NFL, where linebackers have to be more than just run-stuffers. Coen also pointed out what Combs needs to hone: “So being able to communicate at a high level is what he’s needed those reps.” It shows the coaching staff sees a high ceiling for him. Coming into this training camp, Combs now has a legitimate shot to carve out a much more significant role defensively. This isn’t just about making the roster anymore; it’s about snagging a key position.
So, as the Jaguars ramp up for training camp and those preseason games hit, every single snap Combs takes is going to be under the microscope. Will he solidify his claim to that starting spot next to Oluokun? Will he prove he can translate that “low-key athletic” explosiveness into consistent defensive impact? It’s all on the line right now. You absolutely have to keep your eyes peeled for Branson Combs because this story is just getting started.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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