The 2016 season has come to an end and it is time to take stock of what has been a rather disappointing year for the Jacksonville Jaguars. While there were many moments throughout the year which were uncomfortable to watch, to put it nicely, there were some bright spots throughout this young roster this year. As the Jaguars department at Last Word on Sports do our best to evaluate the Jaguars, today outside linebackers are under the microscope.
Despite a poor season, one of the more positive things to come out of Jacksonville this year was the play of their defense. The Jaguars ranked sixth best in total yards with only 5,147 given up on the season. They were also exceptional against the pass and ranked fifth, giving up only 215.3 yards per game. The linebacker group played a good role in the development of this defensive unit and seem to almost have the right balance of upcoming stars and seasoned veterans; something that can keep Jaguars fans optimistic for next season.
Jacksonville Jaguars Outside Linebackers End of Season Evaluation
Telvin Smith
Telvin Smith, a fifth round pick out of Florida State, has matured into a dependable outside linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars. In his third season with the team, Smith once again shone for the Jaguars in 2016 recording 98 solo tackles, which was tied for fourth in the league, and two interceptions. Coming off a breakout year, Smith has established himself as a regular starter for the Jaguars, playing alongside ten year veteran Paul Posluszny.
Myles Jack
The Jaguars second round pick of the 2016 draft has had a mixed rookie season in Jacksonville. In many ways it has been a good year for Myles Jack but opportunities have been hard to come by. With fellow linebackers such as Posluszny and Smith playing well enough to cement a starting role, Jack has often had to share snaps throughout the year. Jack played only 239 (22%) snaps for the Jaguars during the season and was able to record 18 solo tackles with 0.5 sacks in the process. Although Jack often played well enough to start for the Jaguars, the linebacker position is one of their most competitive, meaning Jack’s numbers suffered. However, there is a lot to be optimistic about with Jack and 2017 could present him with the opportunity he has been looking for.
Dan Skuta
Another player who has found snaps hard to come by in 2016, Dan Skuta had a somewhat disappointing year for the Jaguars. Playing more snaps than rookie Myles Jack, Skuta recorded only 15 solo tackles on the season, without a single sack. Despite only playing 13 games, Skuta regressed significantly following a successful 2015 campaign, in which he recorded 32 solo tackles and 1.5 sacks for the Jaguars. After signing a five-year, $20.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars last offseason, they might have hoped for better production from the eight year veteran. With high competition at the linebacker position, Dan Skuta is a player who will have to improve his game next season in order to retain precious snaps.
Arthur Brown
The least used of the outside linebackers, Arthur Brown played six snaps for the Jaguars all season, recording only three tackles in the process. Further back in the depth chart, Brown didn’t have the opportunity to make an impact for the Jaguars during the season, something that is unlikely to change going forward.
Overall Outside Linebacker Grade
With Telvin Smith developing into an on field leader for the Jaguars in 2016 and Myles Jack looking promising throughout, the outside linebackers have earned themselves a respectable B+ evaluation. There is much room for development within this group and both Smith and Jack could be set for great years in 2017. If Dan Skuta can improve his efficiency, he could also be an important factor for this linebacker group going forward.
