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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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!
