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Jacksonville Jaguars: Telvin Smith takes the reins from Posluszny

By Larry Brake

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 05: Telvin Smith #50 of ther Jacksonville Jaguars waits in the bench area prior to the start of their game against the Cincinnati Bengals at EverBank Field on November 5, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 05: Telvin Smith #50 of ther Jacksonville Jaguars waits in the bench area prior to the start of their game against the Cincinnati Bengals at EverBank Field on November 5, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) /
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Telvin Smith leads the Jacksonville Jaguars linebacking corps into the post-Posluszny era.

The Jacksonville Jaguars lost the heart of the defense due to the retirement of Paul Posluszny. However, Telvin Smith is more than ready to assume that role.

What kind of impression did Posluszny leave on Smith after four seasons together?

Here’s how Smith reflected upon Posluszny impact on him, according to Mike Kaye of firstcoastnews.com:

"“Just know, I’ve never met a better man than you,” Smith said, pointing to Posluszny.“I’ve never had a better teammate than you. I don’t think I’ve ever been able to say someone loves me who I didn’t do something for [other] than you. And I promise you, I promise you, I promise you, I won’t let you down. And I feel like that last game, we let you down, so I dedicate this next season to you and I promise you I’m going to lay it down.”"

Smith will be in Jacksonville for several more seasons after signing a contract extension last fall. His new deal runs for four years and is valued at $45 million. The Jaguars made a great investment.

Jacksonville selected Smith in the fifth round as the 144th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Smith has started 53 games since 2014. He has made big plays throughout his career.

He has 552 total tackles with seven interceptions and has 6.5 sacks. Smith has scored three touchdowns which include two in 2017. Recently, Smith was named, by the NFL players, as the 67th best player.

Smith will be very instrumental in the development of the younger linebackers. Blair Brown is projected to play the strong side linebacker as Myles Jack moves into the middle, Posluszny’s old spot. Expect Smith to assume the leadership role that Posluszny displayed and imprinted upon Smith.

Next: NFL 2018: Rookie class bold predictions

Jacksonville has a ferocious defense but will be better. The defense was very instrumental in the outcome of games last year. In 2018, the Jaguars will be on a special mission because of the leadership of Telvin Smith.

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