Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson told reporters Friday all about what makes rookie linebacker Devin Lloyd a special prospect for the up-and-coming Jaguars.
“You love his athleticism; you love his height,” Pederson said. “He’s long, and it’s hard to throw balls over him in practice, and he’s been able to bat some things down and do some really good things in practice. He just has to continue to do that within the scheme, just understanding his role. I think he’s in a good place mentally just watching him out there and talking to him a little bit, and physically, he’s doing good and in a good spot.”
Though first-overall pick Travon Walker is likely to get more attention as a Defensive Rookie of the Year contender, Lloyd is another first round pick set to play a significant role in year one.
It will still take a team effort for the Jaguars to improve their abysmal 3-14 record from last season, but much of the turnaround relies on the contributions from younger players like Lloyd and Walker.