The Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to terms with 13 undrafted free agents after making a sizable nine selections in the 2024 NFL Draft. Former Appalachian State linebacker Andrew Parker Jr. was a big-time signing for general manager Trent Baalke. Parker Jr. possesses a terrific opportunity to make the Jaguars’ 53-man roster.
The Jaguars didn’t use any of their nine draft picks at off-ball linebacker, which bodes well for Parker Jr. The former Mountaineers standout was one of two UDFA inside linebackers to sign with the Jaguars. Parker Jr. was their main target, as Baalke gave him a contract that contained $215,000 in total guarantees, according to Spotrac. That makes Parker Jr. one of the higher-paid UDFAs in the entire league, increasing his chances to make the team.
.@AppState_FB LB Andrew Parker is signing with the #Jaguars, per source.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 27, 2024
Recorded team-high 114 tackles 2023. 10'4 broad, 38.5" vertical, 6.90 3-cone + 4.26 shuttle at Pro Day.@AndrewParkerII on @TheDraftNetwork:https://t.co/edJ50Tmj3b
Parker Jr. enjoyed a fantastic campaign in 2023 after transferring to App State from Arkansas. He was everywhere on the field, totaling a team-high 114 tackles and 2.0 sacks. That playmaking ability should endear itself to Jacksonville's coaching staff throughout training camp and the preseason.
Parker Jr. did not receive an invite to this year's NFL Scouting Combine, which added importance to his pro day performance. The New Orleans, Louisiana native crushed his opportunity with a 10-foot-4 broad jump and a 38.5-inch vertical. One scout timed Parker Jr.'s 40 at 4.58 seconds, and he also ran a 4.26 shuttle and 6.9 L-drill.
Andrew Parker Jr. is a LB prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored a 8.68 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 372 out of 2800 LB from 1987 to 2024.https://t.co/jIJ5eEDJX5 pic.twitter.com/jzUai7Y98z
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 3, 2024
The Jaguars will start Devin Lloyd and Foyesade Oluokun at inside linebacker this season. There should be an open competition for depth and rotational positioning. Third-year player Chad Muma is the perceived No. 3 linebacker, but he could potentially enter camp on the roster bubble after not yet meeting expectations as the No. 70 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. Muma struggled both as a rookie and sophomore. This past season, he earned just 145 defensive snaps, accounting for merely 13.04% of all Jaguars' defensive plays. He shouldn't be assured a roster spot.
Sophomore fourth-round pick Ventrell Miller is also on the roster. He missed his entire rookie campaign with injury. Patience is running out on both Muma and Miller, hence Baalke's decision to sign two undrafted linebackers in free agency.
Even if Muma and Miller both make the 53-man roster, I’d back Parker Jr. to claim the fifth (and likely final) off-ball linebacker spot. Competition for that position includes Ty Summers and Caleb Johnson. Summers joined the team right before OTAs and Johnson has been a special teams mainstay since 2022. Parker Jr. will have to prove he can play in the third phase to make an impact.
There’s wiggle room at off-ball linebacker for an undrafted free agent like Parker Jr. to make Jacksonville’s team. The Jaguars will assess their options in July and August. Baalke offered Parker Jr. a significant amount of money in undrafted free agency, strengthening his chances of competing this summer.
Other Jaguars undrafted free agents worth monitoring throughout the summer include defensive back Josh Proctor, wide receiver Josh Cephus, offensive lineman Steven Jones, and linebacker Trey Kiser.
