Devin Lloyd’s Play Keys Jacksonville Jaguars’ Linebacker Unit

In the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive scheme, the linebacker unit serves as the “engine room”—bridging the gap between the defensive line and secondary, stopping runs, covering tight ends, and blitzing quarterbacks. And at the heart of that engine is Devin Lloyd, the third-year linebacker whose all-around play has transformed the unit from a inconsistent group in 2024 to a reliable strength in 2025. After a breakout sophomore season where he recorded 125 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions, Lloyd has elevated his game even further this year, emerging as a defensive playmaker and a vocal leader. Devin Lloyd’s Play Keys Jacksonville Jaguars’ Linebacker Unit isn’t just a testament to his individual talent; it’s a reflection of how his ability to excel in every phase of linebacker play—run defense, pass coverage, and pass rushing—has made the entire group more cohesive and effective. For the Jaguars, Lloyd isn’t just a starter—he’s the cornerstone of a defense aiming to rank among the NFL’s top 10 this season.

Devin Lloyd’s Play Keys Jacksonville Jaguars’ Linebacker Unit first shines through in his dominance in run defense, a area where the Jaguars struggled mightily in 2024 (allowing 142.3 rushing yards per game). This season, with Lloyd leading the charge, the Jaguars have cut that number to 108.5 yards per game—good for 15th in the NFL—and have held four opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards. Lloyd’s success stems from his combination of size (6’3”, 235 pounds), speed (4.56-second 40-yard dash), and football IQ. He has a knack for reading offensive linemen’s blocking schemes, allowing him to slip through gaps and meet running backs at the line of scrimmage. In the Week 6 win over the Houston Texans, for example, Lloyd recorded 11 tackles (7 solo) and stuffed Texans running back Dameon Pierce for a 3-yard loss on fourth-and-1 in the third quarter—ending a critical Texans drive and preserving a 10-point lead. “Devin’s ability to stop the run changes everything for our defense,” Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell said. “When he’s making plays at the line, it forces offenses to be more predictable, and it takes pressure off our defensive line and secondary. He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better.”

Another area where Devin Lloyd’s Play Keys Jacksonville Jaguars’ Linebacker Unit is evident is in pass coverage—a skill that sets him apart from many NFL linebackers. While most linebackers struggle to keep up with fast tight ends or shifty slot receivers, Lloyd’s speed and coverage technique make him a versatile weapon in the secondary. He has allowed just 38 receptions on 62 targets this season (61.3% completion rate) and has recorded 8 pass breakups—tied for the most among NFL linebackers. His best coverage performance came in Week 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he shadowed Raiders tight end Darren Waller for the entire game, limiting Waller to 2 catches for 18 yards (Waller’s lowest output of the season). Lloyd’s coverage ability has allowed Caldwell to be more creative with the Jaguars’ defensive schemes, often using Lloyd to cover the opponent’s top tight end or slot receiver while other linebackers focus on run defense. “Devin’s coverage skills open up so many possibilities for us,” Caldwell explained. “We don’t have to switch to a nickel package every time we face a pass-heavy offense because we know Devin can hold his own in coverage. That flexibility makes our defense harder to game-plan for.”

Devin Lloyd’s Play Keys Jacksonville Jaguars’ Linebacker Unit also highlights the Jacksonville Jaguars’ improved pass-rushing production, as Lloyd has emerged as a reliable blitzer this season. After recording just 2 sacks in his rookie year, Lloyd has already tallied 5 sacks in 2025—tied for the team lead—and has added 12 quarterback hits. His blitzing success comes from his ability to time his rushes perfectly and use his speed to beat offensive linemen. In the Week 10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Lloyd blitzed from the edge on third-and-10, beat Bengals right tackle Jonah Williams with a quick outside move, and sacked quarterback Joe Burrow for a 7-yard loss—forcing a Bengals punt. This play not only showcased Lloyd’s pass-rushing talent but also his understanding of the Jaguars’ defensive scheme, as he recognized the Bengals’ blocking formation and adjusted his rush path at the last second. “Devin’s blitzing has been a huge surprise for us this season,” Jaguars defensive line coach Terrell Williams said. “He’s not just a ‘zone blitzer’—he can rush the passer from anywhere on the field, and he’s become one of our most consistent pass rushers. That’s a big reason our defense has recorded 28 sacks this season, up from 22 at this point last year.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lloyd’s pass-rushing ability has added a new dimension to their defense, making it harder for opponents to focus solely on stopping edge rushers like Josh Allen.

Devin Lloyd’s Play Keys Jacksonville Jaguars’ Linebacker Unit further underscores the Jacksonville Jaguars’ focus on leadership and team chemistry, as Lloyd has become a vocal leader in the locker room and on the field. After the Jaguars’ linebacker unit struggled with communication issues in 2024 (leading to missed assignments and big plays), Lloyd took it upon himself to organize extra film study sessions for the group and lead pre-practice drills focused on coverage and run defense. His leadership has been particularly impactful for young linebackers like rookie sixth-round pick Jake Hansen, who has learned valuable lessons from Lloyd about reading offenses and staying disciplined. “Devin is more than just a teammate—he’s a mentor,” Hansen said. “He’ll pull me aside after practice and break down plays, showing me what I did wrong and how I can improve. He’s the reason I’ve been able to contribute so early in my career.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lloyd’s leadership has been just as important as his on-field play, as it has helped the linebacker unit develop a sense of trust and cohesion that was missing last season. This cohesion was on full display in the Week 12 win over the Indianapolis Colts, where the linebacker unit recorded 24 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception—all while allowing just 89 rushing yards.

The final takeaway from Devin Lloyd’s Play Keys Jacksonville Jaguars’ Linebacker Unit is that Lloyd’s impact extends far beyond the stat sheet. While his 110 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 interceptions this season are impressive, his true value lies in how he makes the entire linebacker unit—and the defense as a whole—better. He allows other linebackers to focus on their strengths (like Foyesade Oluokun’s run-stopping ability), he takes pressure off the secondary by covering tight ends and slot receivers, and he provides a consistent pass-rushing threat that keeps offensive lines off balance. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lloyd’s development into a elite linebacker has been a key part of their defensive turnaround, and it’s a big reason the team currently holds a 8-4 record and is in contention for the AFC South title. As the regular season winds down, all eyes will be on Lloyd to see if he can continue his dominant play in the playoffs—a stage where great linebackers often cement their legacies. Whether the Jaguars make a deep playoff run or not, one thing is clear: Devin Lloyd is the heart and soul of the Jaguars’ linebacker unit, and his play will be key to the team’s success for years to come.