The Jacksonville Jaguars shocked fans when they traded into the back of the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft to select Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd with pick No. 27. Once they turned in the card, it instantly became clear that the Butkus finalist was excited to be with the team and was ready to work.
Now, over a week later, Lloyd has wasted little time getting to the Duval area to get acquainted. Rise and Grind Training of Orange Park, Fla. posted a video of the rookie working out at their facility alongside veteran defensive lineman Adam Gotsis, who just re-signed with the Jags this week.
In the video, Lloyd is seen working on his agility and strength (NSFW warning for background music). And while he has yet to even put on pads for the Jags, it’s a video that fans couldn’t help but get excited about because it displays the potential he could bring to the middle of the defense.
Lloyd will join the Jags after being a dominant defender for the Utes last season. As a senior, he was able to accumulate 111 total tackles, with 22 of those tackles being for loss. He also was able to garner seven sacks and ended 2021 with a Pro Football Focus grade of 90.3.
The Jags’ offseason approach wasn’t perfect, but the team was able to bolster the interior of the defense this offseason, including their addition of Lloyd. They also signed Foyesade Oluokun and Foley Fatukasi in free agency, in addition to drafting Chad Muma two rounds after Lloyd.
At the very least, the aforementioned additions will make the Jags better against the run after they ranked 23rd in the category. Lloyd should play a key role in it all, as the team will need him to fill the shoes of former star linebacker Myles Jack.