Devin Lloyd: Offseason gave me ‘a chance to master the defense’

A little time away from football has gone a long way for Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd.

His chaotic 2022 began with the Utah Utes playing in the Rose Bowl and was followed by lengthy prep for the NFL draft. After joining the Jaguars, Lloyd was thrown into the fire as a Week 1 starter despite missing much of training camp with a hamstring injury. Now, with one NFL season under his belt, Lloyd has finally had a chance to take a break.

“Last year, it was a lot of firsts,” Lloyd said Thursday on The Jim Rome Show. “Just understanding what it’s like now — what the culture is like and the environment and what to expect coming in the fall — I really do see a night and day difference.

“There’s more anticipation as opposed to reaction. Really just understanding the defense now that we’ve 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.”

Lloyd, 24, started his career with two interceptions and six passes defended through his first three games. But his effectiveness waned as the season went on and Lloyd was eventually benched in favor of third-round rookie linebacker Chad Muma.

The Jaguars finished the 2022 season No. 24 in total yards allowed and No. 28 against the pass. After not making many changes in the offseason to the defense, Jacksonville is largely relying on the progress made by Lloyd and fellow 2022 first-rounder Travon Walker. According to Lloyd, that progress is coming in leaps and bounds.

More Jaguars!

Story originally appeared on Jaguars Wire