2023 NFL Draft: Why the Jaguars Drafted Ventrell Miller

What drew the Jaguars to Florida Gators linebacker Ventrell Miller?

Few people pegged the Jacksonville Jaguars as likely to select a linebacker early on in the 2023 NFL Draft, but there are certain prospects who check all of the boxes. Those are the ones who are tougher to pass on, regardless of team needs.

For the Jaguars and their 2023 class, that player was fourth-round linebacker Ventrell Miller, who the Jaguars took with the No. 121 overall pick.

Miller is the third linebacker the Jaguars have drafted in the last two years, joining 2022 first-rounder Devin Lloyd and 2022 third-rounder Chad Muma. His selection surprised many, but it was one that the Jaguars were proud to make. 

"He's a linebacker. He'll compete for a spot. He's a linebacker. He'll be in that room and he can play Mike and Moe. He's a three-time captain. He's a high intangible guy. He's a baller," Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke said after the draft.

"Feel he fits in really well on special teams as well as the core four guy. Looking forward to getting him in here."

In short, this was an intangibles and special teams pick, with the Jaguars placing a high emphasis on special teams availability among all of their Day 3 picks. 

"Well, what we tried to do is, Coach and I, throughout the process, once the day started was look at ways we could improve the roster, especially on the special teams side," Baalke said. 

"And just selecting guys that had a chance to compete for the 53 and as well as special teams. Bring some added value there. And felt good about the group we got."

A Florida native, Miller redshirted in 2017 after being suspended. He then appeared in 13 games in 2018, recording 15 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, one pass deflection, and one interception.

Miller started 11 games in 2019, recording 55 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two pass deflections. He then started 10 games in 2020, leading Florida in tackles with 88, along with 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

Miller played in just two games in 2021 due to a torn bicep injury, but he returned in 2022 as a team captain, recording 74 tackles in 10 starts and totaling 8.5 tackles for loss, two pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.