The Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for their 31st season as an NFL franchise.
To commemorate their history — and to provide content during the dry part of the offseason — we’d like your help in naming the team’s greatest players at every position.
Here are the nominees for Jacksonville’s All-Time Linebackers.
Kevin Hardy (1996-01)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 19: Linebacker Kevin Hardy #51 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on from the field during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on November 19, 2000 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Jaguars defeated the Steelers 34-24. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 19: Linebacker Kevin Hardy #51 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on from the field during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on November 19, 2000 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Jaguars defeated the Steelers 34-24. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
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Stats: 402 solo tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 28.5 sacks, 10 pass deflections, 52 Approximate Value
Bio: Drafted second overall in 1996, Hardy became a defensive cornerstone for Jacksonville’s playoff teams of the late ’90s. A versatile linebacker who could rush the passer and drop into coverage, he posted 10.5 sacks in 1999 and earned Pro Bowl honors the following season. Hardy started over 100 games across six years with the Jaguars and still ranks among the franchise leaders in tackles and sacks by a linebacker.
Mike Peterson (2003-08)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Linebacker Mike Peterson #54 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates after sacking quarterback Kyle Boller #7 of the Baltimore Ravens at Alltel Stadium on November 13, 2005 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Linebacker Mike Peterson #54 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates after sacking quarterback Kyle Boller #7 of the Baltimore Ravens at Alltel Stadium on November 13, 2005 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)
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Stats: 413 solo tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 15.0 sacks, 20 pass deflections, 49 Approximate Value
Bio: Signed as a free agent in 2003, Peterson immediately became the heart of Jacksonville’s defense. A tackling machine with sideline-to-sideline range, he averaged over 100 tackles per year across six seasons in teal. Peterson was a key leader during the Jaguars’ 2005 playoff run.
Daryl Smith (2004-12)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Daryl Smith #52 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates after making an interception during the NFL season opener game against the Denver Broncos at EverBank Field on September 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Daryl Smith #52 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates after making an interception during the NFL season opener game against the Denver Broncos at EverBank Field on September 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
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Stats: 540 solo tackles, 57 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks, 39 pass deflections, 63 Approximate Value
Bio: A second-round pick in 2004, Smith was a model of consistency over nine seasons in Jacksonville. He became the franchise’s all-time leader in tackles, starting 124 games while excelling in both run support and pass coverage. Overshadowed nationally, Smith was one of the NFL’s most underrated linebackers of his era and a steadying presence throughout his career.
Paul Posluszny (2011-17)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 08: Paul Posluszny #51 of the Jacksonville Jaguars in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 8, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 08: Paul Posluszny #51 of the Jacksonville Jaguars in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 8, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
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Stats: 587 solo tackles, 45 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, 36 pass deflections, 51 Approximate Value
Bio: Acquired via free agency in 2011, Posluszny quickly established himself as the Jaguars’ defensive captain. Known for his toughness and intelligence, he led the team in tackles in five of his seven seasons in Jacksonville and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2013. “Poz” retired in 2017 as one of the franchise’s most beloved leaders, finishing second all-time in tackles.
Telvin Smith (2014-18)
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 23: Telvin Smith #50 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates after returning a interception for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 23: Telvin Smith #50 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates after returning a interception for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Stats: 446 solo tackles, 52 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 26 pass deflections, 46 Approximate Value
Bio: Drafted in the fifth round in 2014, Smith became one of the league’s most dynamic weakside linebackers. He led the team in tackles multiple times and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2017 while helping power Jacksonville’s run to the AFC Championship Game. Known for his speed and energy, Smith retired suddenly in 2019 but left a lasting impact on the franchise.
Foye Oluokun (2022-present)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Foyesade Oluokun #23 of the Jacksonville Jaguars recovers a blocked extra-point during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on September 23, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Foyesade Oluokun #23 of the Jacksonville Jaguars recovers a blocked extra-point during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on September 23, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
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Stats: 299 solo tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 18 pass deflections, 22 Approximate Value
Bio: Signed in 2022 after leading the NFL in tackles with Atlanta, Oluokun has continued that production in Jacksonville. He topped the league in tackles again in 2022 and 2023, bringing durability, leadership, and intelligence to the Jaguars’ defense. With back-to-back 180-tackle seasons, Oluokun established himself as one of the most reliable linebackers in the NFL.
Time to vote!
Please do not pick the same player twice
Last week: Defensive Line / Next week: Secondary
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!