Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Ventrell Miller (51) warms up before the start of the preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium.
Melina Myers-Imagn Images
With the Jacksonville Jaguars preparing for the 2026 season, the team is looking to adapt to its changes, such as the loss of linebacker Devin Lloyd, who signed with the Carolina Panthers in the offseason. As the Jaguars get ready for the 2026 schedule, defensive end Josh Hines-Allen would speak about Lloyd's absence and the one player who's filling in his shoes.
Speaking to Jordan Schultz, he asked Hines-Allen about the loss of Lloyd and what that means for the team, as the 29-year-old didn't hold back in saying how his absence “hinders” the collective mindset on a defense. However, he adores the players who are replacing Lloyd, specifically mentioning Ventrell Miller, who he predicts will lead the entire league in punchouts.
“I love Devon Lloyd,” Hines-Allen said. “True professional. Came in and worked every single day to get better. When you lose a piece like that, somebody that was so inspirational to the team last year by the plays that he made, but you see the way that he worked every single day. You're missing a piece like that; obviously, it hinders that mindset that you can have on a defense.”
“But then, when you replace it with the guys that we have now, it's people that can develop to be to the mindset that Devin was,” Hines-Allen continued. “But we have true ballers now. We got Ventrell [Miller]. I just told him today he's going to lead the NFL in punchouts this year.”
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Miller has been with Jacksonville since being selected by the team with the 121st overall pick in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. It remains to be seen if he'll have the same impact as Lloyd, as the Jaguars open the season on Sept. 13 against the Cleveland Browns.