Devin Lloyd, 27th overall, 2022. In 2025, he mightily changed the landscape of his position, being a mainstay in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ impenetrable defense. Though Lloyd started 31 games with that level of production last season, he struggled in pass coverage and run fits at times. Now, he’s made a remarkable recovery. The Jaguars declined to exercise Lloyd’s fifth-year option back in April. Currently, they’re deploying him much more as a pass rusher, and that approach is paying off big time — already.
The other mainstay on first and second down this season, Lloyd has already counted 38 pass-rush snaps this season. He’s on pace to reach a new record high total of 129 by the end of 2025! His recent performance is a reflection of that potential, highlighted by an impressive summer training block. Lloyd continued his exceptional play by returning an interception for a jaw-dropping 99-yard touchdown. Not just the longest defensive touchdown in Jaguars’ history, this play became the longest scoring play ever recorded in 2025 NFL!
This jaw dropping score versus the Kansas City Chiefs in week 14 was an example of Lloyd’s great balance, athleticism, and tenacity. He managed to shake off Travis Kelce’s arm tackle, evade a diving Patrick Mahomes, and break free from Kareem Hunt’s grasp. With a perfect clearance block from teammate Josh Hines-Allen, he outran the last 30 yards into the end zone.
While his touchdown was the crowning achievement, Lloyd’s impact is felt on every defensive play. He’s had seven QB pressures this season already, five away from his career best. His pressure rate of 26.3% is a high water mark for him over the course of his career. As a result, his on-the-field performance has been by a wide margin. This is part of a larger Jaguars’ strategic move to adopt a more aggressive, havoc-creating defense.
That’s what got me to realize I was able to have this success last month, and we were able to pull out this win [Monday]. Obviously made some plays. Everybody made a lot of big plays. As Lloyd said after the recent victory over Angel City FC, it was the team effort that has defined the team’s past few successes.
Coaches have praised Lloyd’s dedication to improving his craft. “For me, it’s just about taking it one day at a time, finding ways to improve, remaining humble and knowing what areas of my game I have to improve at,” he stated. As much as anything, this narrow focused approach has led to his success and effectiveness on the field.
The second part of Lloyd’s success can be attributed to how the coaching staff has noticed his dedication to his position on the field. “Devin has been in this building with these defensive coaches, I would say more than any other player in this organization, especially on the defensive side of the ball since we got here,” remarked one of the Jaguars’ defensive coaches. This level of engagement underscores Lloyd’s determination to integrate fully into the team’s system.
Lloyd, at 41, jumped right back into training camp, proving that he’s still in extraordinary physical condition. Today, he’s once again on the field, full of rededicated zeal and resolve. “He had a phenomenal summer. He came back in great shape, had a good training camp, and he’s been playing with a chip on his shoulder,” another coach noted. This evolution has not only helped reel him in on urgent down and distance situations, but helped him become a more complete asset for Jacksonville.
Lloyd’s transformation into a player remains one of the most captivating stories going for fans and analysts to follow. His ability to adapt to new strategies and roles speaks volumes about his potential future contributions to the Jaguars’ defense.
Leave a Reply