3 elite traits LB Devin Lloyd brings to the Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars proved to be one of Day 1’s most aggressive teams, moving back into the first round and selecting Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd.

Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke decided to go with Georgia’s Travon Walker as the first overall pick but upped the ante by adding a second defensive player that same night. With the 27th selection, Baalke gave his linebacker group a major addition in the form of Lloyd, the Pac-12’s Defensive Player of the Year last season.

Was it worth it? Well, we won’t know any surefire grades for at least another year, but Lloyd brings several traits and intangibles that warranted a trade-up. Mike Caldwell’s defense got itself a potential game-changing defensive talent, so let’s take a look at some of those traits.

1. The Jaguars now have a LB with remarkable sideline-to-sideline speed

Caldwell’s defense will make use of Lloyd’s speed in its scheme, and he’ll have to rely on it to help shut down the run. At the NFL Combine, Lloyd recorded a 4.66 time in his 40-yard dash, showcasing his speed. In college, Lloyd was an active tackler, roaming the field and recording 66 solo tackles, which was tops in the Pac-12. The previous season, Lloyd amassed 33, ending up fourth in the conference.

More importantly, Lloyd proved to be a disruptive force that had to be accounted for in every play. He accumulated 43 tackles for a loss from 2018 to 2021. He’s 14th in the Pac-12 since 2005 with that total of 43 if you’re keeping tabs. Simply put, Lloyd was always making a play no matter where on the field.

His sideline-to-sideline speed combined with his length (33-inch arms, a wingspan of 81-plus inches) makes him deadly in space. In college, Lloyd consistently shut down running lanes, and you often saw him convert these stops into tackles for a loss. More than just speed, Lloyd’s on-field awareness and notable football IQ in dissecting an offense are what make him special.

2. Devin Lloyd will alleviate the Jaguars’ pass-rushing woes

The struggles of the Jaguars’ pass rush are well-documented. Despite having several talented players, it just didn’t come together in 2021. Under Caldwell, Jaguars fans can look forward to the new defensive coordinator making the most of those players along with the new additions, Lloyd included.

Lloyd plays more with instinct than technique at this point in his career. That means he relies on feeling out what he sees. After that, he’s quick on his feet and attacks. This served him well at Utah this past season, as he became a force as a pass rusher, tallying eight sacks and 16 hurries.

When you watch him play, you can just see that he’s consistently ahead of the offense. It’s like he already knows what the quarterback is going to call before he snaps the football. A menacing tackler who doesn’t quit until he’s brought someone down or he himself has the ball. On top of these special traits, Lloyd is versatile. Caldwell could use him on the outside to rush the passer or on the edge. Either way, Lloyd will make a play.

So, what else can Lloyd do? What if I told you there’s more to his game still?

3. Devin Lloyd will help the Jaguars in the coverage department as well

It’s easy to forget that Lloyd also flourished in coverage in Utah. In fact, he was originally a safety, so it’s not hard to see why he’s also a ballhawk. Last season alone, Lloyd totaled six pass deflections and snagged four interceptions. Not only does Lloyd cause havoc in the backfield, but he’ll also convert turnovers into touchdowns. In 2021, Lloyd returned two interceptions for touchdowns and, since 1976, is ninth all-time with three scores coming off of interceptions.

When you factor in Lloyd’s speed, frame, and instincts, they all come together in coverage as he can more than hold his own against running backs and tight ends. Possessing a notable burst, Lloyd closes space in a hurry and nails the ball carrier quickly while looking to make a play, as he did in college, where he had two career forced fumbles.

Lloyd’s movement and feel in coverage are akin to that of a defensive back, so he makes use of his physical traits by swarming his receiver and has sufficient speed to keep up with players that might be perceived as speedier.

At the end of the day, the Jaguars moved up to grab a playmaker, pure and simple. It wouldn’t be farfetched to think that Lloyd’s selection could eclipse Walker’s selection one day.