The Jacksonville Jaguars wouldn’t have selected Wyoming linebacker Chad Muma with the 70th overall pick in the third round if they didn’t have a plan on how to use him. On an appearance on the “Frank Frangie Show” on 1010XL Sports Radio, Muma said the Jaguars want him to be the money backer in their defense.
The money backer (or money linebacker) role was created by Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles that helped his defenses in Arizona adapt to modern rules that favor offenses. The position is a linebacker and safety hybrid who can play in the box and cover wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs while also having the ability to play the run. The money backer is essentially a sub-package position, but Bowles has heavily utilized it where these players see the field just as much or more than base defense starters.
Current Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell was one of Bowles’ top assistants for many years and will likely take the same approach as his mentor.
“The NFL has become such a passing game too, that I’m also able to do that,” Muma said. “If they’re running the ball, I’m going to be throwing my head in there and making plays and stopping that run, but if it translates to the pass as well, I’m going be dropping back and making those plays and getting some picks here and there and breaking on balls and doing all that as well.”
In time, Muma could become the Jags’ starter at MIKE linebacker, which would be closer to his role in college.
He said he was a two-time captain at Wyoming and is comfortable calling plays and making checks.
“So that’s definitely something I see myself developing into, is that green dot player, where I’m able to make those calls,” Muma said. “Even at the Senior Bowl, when I was there, I had the green dot inside my helmet, so I was making the calls at the Senior Bowl, so I’m already kind of exposed to that mic in your head. I’m looking forward to making sure I understand the defense so I can be that player for Jacksonville.”
Last year, it was clear the Jags needed to make changes in the middle of their defense as the production there was inconsistent. Now with Muma (and the other additions made this offseason), they have several players who shouldn’t have any trouble taking on the responsibilities that come with being a green dot player.