Jaguars’ Defense X‑Factors for 2026

Ventrell Miller Could Replace Devin Lloyd as Defensive Anchor

The Jaguars watched star linebacker Devin Lloyd depart in free agency after a season that earned him second‑team All‑Pro and Pro Bowl honors. Ventrell Miller, already on the roster, is now expected to take on a larger role after serving mostly as a rotational player. Miller showed promise at last year’s training camp and has improved with each successive season, especially as a run defender and as a contributor who can force turnovers despite limited snaps. If Miller capitalizes on the opportunity, Jacksonville may find itself less reliant on Lloyd than analysts anticipate. — Casandra Chesser

Ruke Orhorhoro Targets Interior Pass‑Rush Improvement

To shore up a defense that struggled to generate consistent pressure in the latter half of 2025, the Jaguars added Ruke Orhorhoro to the defensive line. While with Atlanta, Orhorhoro posted 30 pressures and four sacks, earning a pass‑rush productivity rating that placed him tied for 51st among 121 defensive tackles on PFF’s metric. Interior line pressure is crucial for disrupting offensive plays quickly, and the Jaguars see Orhorhoro’s experience as a key step toward that goal for the 2026 campaign. — Paul Bretl

Star Defensors Set the Baseline for Jaguars’ Defensive Success

Jaxsonville’s defensive identity revolves around elite talent at positions like cornerback, safety, and pass rush. Players such as Josh Hines‑Allen, Travon Walker, and Travis Hunter are expected to remain central to the unit’s performance. The emergence of Miller in the middle and Orhorhoro along the interior will determine whether the Jaguars can elevate their overall effectiveness beyond the stars’ already high level. With training camp approaching, these two X‑factors could be the difference between staying competitive and falling short. Source: Jaguars Wire