By Jeff Moeller
JACKSONVILLE (Florida Sports Wire) – Chad Muma had already been through it last year
But the second-year linebacker was back for the Jaguars’ final day of minicamp Wednesday for a horde of rookies, undrafted free agents and a handful of veterans at TIAA Bank Field.
It is just a matter of him being anxious to start the 2023 season.
Muma, who was drafted in the third round last year, made an impact in the Jag’s linebacking corps as a rookie last season. He briefly took the spot of fellow rookie and 27th pick overall Devin Lloyd for two games late in the season until Lloyd regained the role.
A tackling machine at the University of Wyoming, Muma finished the year with 47 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. Muma’s stock rose mercurially from the middle of the season, as he became a pivotal part of the unit and also performed on special teams.
Now with a conference championship and a playoff win in his backpack, Muma feels more comfortable and confident in his role. In fact, the linebacking unit of Muma, Lloyd, Foye Olokun, Travon Walker, and Josh Allen will be the backbone for the unit this fall.
Depending how the Jags decide to use Walker, Muma and Lloyd could be battling for the same position.
Yet, jumping over high hurdles hasn’t been an issue for Muma in the past. He and Raven tight end Mark Andrews both play with Type 1 Diabetes.
“I have learned to adjust with it,” said Muma about his condition. “As a rookie out there last year, my head was spinning,” he said. “There was a lot to learn in a short time. But I could see the veterans had a lot of confidence in head coach Doug Pederson. A guy like Foye Olokun really helped me out. He and the other vets helped me gain a lot of confidence out there.”
Muma realized an overall elevated level of play in the defense last season. He and his teammates have higher expectations this season.
They will have to improve their marks of finishing No. 24 in total yards allowed and No. 28 against the pass. There also hasn’t been any major changes in the unit in the offseason.
It is a matter of overall growth in him and his teammates.
“We’re ready to take the next step,” stressed Muma. “Being here was a good experience and a reminder of what I need to do. We’ve all worked hard in the offseason, and you can already see some progress.
“The offense has been moving ahead, and we have been moving in the right direction.”
Head coach Doug Pederson is very confident about his budding group of linebackers led by Josh Allen, who is in his final year of his 2019 rookie contract. Olokun, a 2018 sixth-round pick, is another tackling machine, as he led the league last season with 184 total tackles.
“Chad Muma is a young player for us, and he had a nice year for us,” said Pederson. “You see the confidence in him out there on the field and that will carry over as we start the season.”
And Muma certainly will be ready.
(SportsDay columist Jeff Moeller covers the NFL and Jacksonville Jaguars for Florida Sports Wire)
