Devin Lloyd: On Track for Defensive Player of the Year in 2025
Through the early stretch of the 2025 season, Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd has made a compelling case as a frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year award. His mix of turnovers, coverage ability, run defense, and big-play timing — built on a foundation laid at Utah — gives him one of the strongest narratives of any defender this year.
NFL Stats & Impact (Through 2025 so far)
While full-season stats are still accumulating, a few early-season and career metrics highlight where Lloyd stands:
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Lloyd currently leads the NFL in takeaways with 4 (3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery) — a remarkable pace for a linebacker in 2025.
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In a marquee Monday Night matchup vs. the Chiefs, Lloyd intercepted Patrick Mahomes deep in Jaguars territory and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown — a game-altering play that underscored his knack for turning defense into offense.
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Over his NFL career so far (2022–2024), Lloyd has compiled 355 combined tackles (195 solo, 160 assists), 2 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 4 fumble recoveries.
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In the 2024 season alone, he recorded 113 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and an interception.
These numbers show he’s not just making splash plays — he’s consistently involved and productive across every facet of defense.
How His Utah Foundation Built This
Lloyd’s rise didn’t start in the pros. His college career at the University of Utah laid the groundwork for his all-around skillset and playmaking instincts.
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He appeared in 47 games over his Utah career, starting 32 of them.
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He finished his Utes tenure with 43 tackles for loss, ranking fourth in program history.
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In his final season (2021), he posted 66 tackles, 8 sacks, and 4 interceptions.
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That 2021 season earned him consensus All-American honors, the Pac-12 Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year, and helped lead Utah to a Pac-12 Championship (he was named the MVP of that title game).
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He was also a two-time First-Team All-Pac-12 (2020, 2021).
From Utah, he entered the NFL via Round 1, pick 27 in the 2022 Draft.
His college accomplishments underscore that Lloyd has long been wired for game-changing plays — and 2025 is seeing him deliver at the highest level.
Why He’s on Pace (and Why He Might Actually Win)
Putting the narrative and the numbers together, here’s why Lloyd’s 2025 campaign is one of the most compelling in the DPOY race:
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Turnover Output
Leading the NFL in takeaways as a linebacker is rare. Those extra possessions have huge value — and awards voters love defenders who impact the scoreboard. -
All-Around Defensive Ability
He’s not a one-trick specialist. He’s stopping the run, covering in space, blitzing when asked, and staying active sideline to sideline — exactly the kind of three-down defender modern defenses covet. -
High-Impact Plays in Big Games
The 99-yard pick-six against Mahomes will be highlight-reel material voters won’t forget. Building a resume with signature moments is essential. -
Narrative Momentum & Perceived Value
Lloyd’s clean trajectory — from Utah standout to first-round pick to defensive force — gives him a strong storyline. He’s already picked up awards like AFC Defensive Player of the Month, which build awareness. -
Sustainability & Consistency
He’s shown year-to-year growth, and his 2024 baseline was already elite (113 tackles, impact plays). If he can maintain or exceed his early-season pace, his case strengthens.
Possible Headwinds
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Durability & Volume: He’ll need to stay healthy and produce across all 17 games. A few down weeks or injury could hurt his narrative.
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Competition: Edge rushers, shutdown corners, and high-sack defenders often dominate DPOY awards due to flashy stats. Lloyd’s less glamorous categories (tackles, coverage) sometimes get overlooked.
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Team Success: Award voters tend to favor defenders whose teams are winning. If Jacksonville's defense and overall record stay strong, that helps; if the team struggles, it may dampen his chances.
Final Thoughts
Devin Lloyd’s 2025 season is proving that he’s not just having a hot stretch — he’s building a Defensive Player of the Year résumé. His early NFL impact stats, combined with the foundation of dominance from his Utah days, make his candidacy hard to ignore. If he can maintain pace and keep making signature plays, come December the hardware might very well have his name on it.