4 player superlatives for Jaguars 2022 NFL Draft picks

The Jacksonville Jaguars put a lot of work into the 2022 NFL Draft and while it might them a couple of years to truly know how good their class was, there were many things to like about the defense-oriented approach they adopted.

Sure, the Jags got mixed reviews for their draft haul but many of their picks could end up having a meaningful impact down the road. With that in mind, here are four-player superlatives for Jacksonville’s 2022 draft class.

No. 1 Jaguars safest pick in the 2022 NFL Draft – Devin Lloyd, LB.

Before the draft, not many analysts would have guessed that Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd would be available near the bottom of the first round. The Jaguars probably didn’t, so when they saw that he was still available at No, 27, they engineered a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to move up six spots. While Jacksonville had to give up three selections, it will be worth it if the California product can play the way he did at the collegiate level.

Back at Utah, Lloyd posted 150 tackles, 43 tackles for a loss, 15.5 sacks, five interceptions, and eight passes defensed in the span of 36 games. He should start next to Foyesade Oluokun from Day 1, giving the Jaguars’ linebacker corps a duo of playmakers at linebacker.

Off-linebackers aren’t as valued as pass rushers or cornerbacks but Lloyd will help the Jaguars’ defense make more big plays one year after ranking dead last in turnovers. Looking back, the team’s brass could have added a wide receiver with the pick they used on Lloyd but they wanted to build a well-rounded team that doesn’t have to depend on Trevor Lawrence scoring 30 points per game to win. Lloyd should help them achieve that end.