June 19, 2018:
From WTLV - Jacksonville (NBC/ABC)
LINEBACKERS
On The Squad: Telvin Smith (WILL), Myles Jack (MIKE), Blair Brown (SAM), Donald Payne, Leon Jacobs
Analysis: The dynamic tandem of Smith and Jack should give the Jaguars one of the fastest nickel linebacker duos in the league. While Jack worked off to the side for the majority of OTAs, the coaching staff believes he has what it takes to play middle linebacker. Jack made very large strides during the playoffs, so it’s hard to be “down” on the staff’s confidence in him.
The SAM linebacker job will work itself out during training camp and the preseason. Outside of Jack and Smith, the entire group has a shot at the third linebacker job.
Right now, Brown seems to be the favorite on paper, while Payne’s impressive offseason program output (two interceptions and several pass breakups) has him poised for a bigger role in his second season with the team. Jacobs, one of the team’s two seventh-round picks, seems to be an ideal fit for the SAM role but he will need to prove his worth when the pads come on during training camp.
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/sports/nfl/jackson...