How a three-star recruit rose to become an NFL defensive powerhouse
In short: In 2022, the Jacksonville Jaguars used a first-round pick on a player many scouts had overlooked. From a modest college recruitment profile to record-breaking interceptions against legends like Patrick Mahomes, Devin Lloyd's ascent is a masterclass in defensive dominance.
Devin Lloyd's journey to the NFL began far from the spotlight of elite recruiting. As a high school standout at Otay Ranch in Choken Vista, California, Lloyd was a versatile athlete, serving as a wide receiver, safety, and punter. When he committed to the University of Utah, he was considered a three-star recruit. His recruitment was surprisingly narrow; the University of Utah provided his only Power Five offer, as he turned down opportunities from several other programs including Colorado State, San Jose State, and Utah State.
His collegiate career at Utah was defined by steady progression and high-impact plays. After redshirting in 2017, Lloyd transitioned from a backup in 2018 to a dominant force by his senior year in 2021. That season, he led the Pac-12 with eight sacks and earned consensus First-team All-American honors. His ability to disrupt plays was evident in the Pac-12 championship game, where he recorded a pick-six.
Lloyd's professional career has been marked by historic individual performances. Drafted 27th overall in the 2022 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, he quickly earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors. He later achieved legendary status in Jaguars history during the 2025 season. In a Week 5 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, Lloyd intercepted Patrick Mahomes at the goal line and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown—the longest pick-six in Jaguars history and a record for an NFL linebacker in a regular season game. Following a contract decision by the Jaguars in April 2025, Lloyd signed a significant three-year, $45 million deal with the Carolina Panthers in March 2026.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Devin Lloyd
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