Why Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd Feels More Comfortable Heading Into Year 2

After an up-and-down rookie season, the 2022 first-round pick is ready to rock.

As is the case with most rookies, Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd underwent a transition period entering his first season of professional football.

From learning an entirely new system and style of football to being benched in the regular season following a hot start, Lloyd certainly had his fair share of “welcome to the NFL” moments.

Appearing on the Jim Rome Show, Lloyd made clear that the transition from the end of year one to year two has operated a lot smoother than last offseason.

“Yeah, I mean I truthfully believe that was night and day just because going into last year, it was a lot of firsts,” Lloyd said. “And I mean, even throughout the coaching staff was, you know, first-time position coaches, first-time D.C. [Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell], first-year rookie. It was a lot of firsts for all of us. 

"So just all of us as a group and me understanding what it’s like now. What the culture is like, the environment, and what to expect coming, you know, in the fall. I mean I really do see a night and day difference even during OTA’s. The communication is sharp, the energy’s on point and I’m just speaking, you know, as a group. But you know how I fit into the puzzle. You know, I think everybody is just clicking and I mean it just is so much better.”

For Lloyd, the focus is on mastering the Jaguars' defensive scheme and growing as a player, something he felt has already taken place since the end of the grind of a long NFL schedule.

“One hundred percent right, yes one hundred percent right,” Lloyd said when asked about being able to see things more clearly after a year of professional football. “More anticipation as opposed to reaction. I mean, really understanding the defense now that we had time away from ball, we’re not scheming or anything like that. 

"So really, I had a chance to just master the defense and know how to play within the scheme. Understanding who’s working me, who’s working with me at times. So really just understanding the scheme, you know, that’s going to be another crucial part of growth from last year.”