Summary

Devin Lloyd was selected in the 1st Round (#27 Overall) in the 2022 Draft out of University of Utah. At Utah, Lloyd was one of the most decorated defenders in the country finishing his collegiate career with 256 tackles, 43 tackles for loss, eight sacks, five interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns, and earning Consensus All-American honors, Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, and two Butkus Award finalist nods. In the NFL through the early portion of the 2025 season, Lloyd has been a three-year starter for the Jaguars, recording hundreds of tackles and multiple interceptions, including a franchise-record 99-yard pick-six in 2025 while leading the league in interceptions for a period. Lloyd’s football IQ, leadership, and competitive demeanor have been hallmarks of his transition from college star to potential all-pro contributor.

Strengths

• Elite Versatility: An absolute dream chess piece for Anthony Campanile’s versatile defense, Lloyd an play all three linebacker spots — WILL, MIKE, and SAM — and even aligns in coverage roles akin to a slot defender, showing adaptability in modern defensive schemes.

• Playmaking in Coverage: Exceptional ball skills for a linebacker; consistently makes interceptions and limits quarterbacks’ success when targeted.

• Range & Sideline-to-Sideline Speed: Excellent athleticism allows him to patrol wide areas of the field, making tackles across formations and closing on ball carriers and also shows great effectiveness crashing on the passer as a blitzer.

• Strong Tackler: Aggressive run defender displaying reliable form and physicality when wrapping up runners and consistently has one of the lowest missed tackle percentages in the NFL.

Weaknesses

• Block-Shedding Against Larger Linemen: Lloyd will get slowed down and struggle disengaging from stout offensive linemen and more physical blockers in close quarters.

• Pass-Rushing Toolkit: While largely effective as a blitzer, Lloyd lacks the elite array of moves to consistently generate pressure as a primary pass rusher and will resort to power especially when attacking A gap blitzes.

• Paralysis by Analysis: Lloyd was asked to play a wide variety of LB roles early in his career and was consistently told to add or drop weight depending on the defensive requirements, which has staggered his development.

• Contract Uncertainty: Jacksonville’s decision not to pick up his fifth-year option raises questions about long-term role stability and team confidence, however, his renaissance in a contract year under Anthony Campanile will All-Pro caliber impact makes him a must-sign player for the Jaguars.

Outlook

Devin Lloyd projects as a modern, three-down linebacker in NFL defenses that value speed, coverage prowess, and versatility. He fits best in multiple-front schemes that allow him to roam the second level, drop into coverage, blitz on money downs and make sideline-to-sideline plays. While not a traditional thumper, his blend of instincts and athleticism makes him especially effective in pass-heavy situations, zone coverage frameworks, and matchup-based defensive calls. Lloyd’s trajectory suggests continued growth as a defensive playmaker, particularly if he sustains his 2025 all-pro form and carves out defined leadership responsibilities. He could be a top-tier linebacker and defensive centerpiece in the right scheme. Whether that continues in Jacksonville or somewhere else remains to be seen.