Heading into the 2021 College Football season, Utah LB Devin Lloyd was considered by many to be a top 50 linebacker in the 2022 NFL Draft. Devin Lloyd has been able to establish himself as a first round prospect thus far, but where can he improve? Furthermore, where does he fit in the NFL? In this 2022 NFL Draft scouting report, we’ll go in-depth on Devin Lloyd, as well as a predicted 40 time, injury history, and full scouting report.
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Devin Lloyd 40 Time
Devin Lloyd should run a 4.71 40 time at the NFL Combine in March. On film, Lloyd looks much faster than expected. He’s capable on hanging with some slot receivers and tight ends in coverage. If he does indeed run a 4.71 40 time at the NFL Combine, or close to it, that would be equal to the league average for inside linebackers.
Devin Lloyd Injury History
Devin Lloyd appears to have a clean injury history. As a result, NFL scouts and front office personnel should get a clean report during the medical evaluation process at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine.
Devin Lloyd Scouting Report
Pros
- Good Tackle Range Inside The Pocket
- Talented Pass Rusher Coming Off The Edge
- Good Mobility When Dropping Into Coverage
Cons
- Needs To Improve Ability To Diagnose Runs At The Line Of Scrimmage
- Can Take Poor Angles Versus Inside Runs
- Mechanics In Coverage Must Be Addressed
Devin Lloyd is a four-year contributor for the University of Utah Utes. He typically plays the inside linebacker position, although he has also been used as a pass rusher off the edge. Has good height and solid weight when compared to the league average for the linebacker position. Additionally, his predicted 40 time of 4.71 is solid for the position.
Lloyd has good range to tackle ball carriers inside the pocket. He shows good mobility when dropping into coverage from the inside backer position when working against the slot receiver or tight end. As a pass rusher, he displays good use of hands to stun the offensive lineman and attack the quarterback. He shows good patience to let the hole develop before penetrating off the edge. Often gets inside leverage when lined up across from inline tight ends.
However, there are flaws in Devin Lloyd’s game. He can struggle to diagnose read-option plays at the line of scrimmage. Too often he will bite on the play action. Has a poor habit of overcompensating on inside penetration from the second level, resulting in an open gap for the ball carrier. Will take some bad angles versus inside runs from the inside linebacker position. Needs to refine mechanics in coverage as his hip flexibility can be rigid when competing against slot receivers and tight ends.
Devin Lloyd NFL Draft Projection
In my opinion, Devin Lloyd should end up being a mid-to-late first round draft pick. He does well when stopping runs between the tackles, as well as rushing the passer off the edge. However, there are many flaws in his game, too. Ultimately, I see him as a high-risk, high-reward prospect. Currently, he’s the top-ranked linebacker on our Top 200 NFL Draft Big Board, although I believe that Nakobe Dean could overtake him.
When it comes down to it, I believe that he will have a successful NFL career. However, I wonder how long it will take him to get to that level. I believe that he fits best in the NFL as a Mike linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Despite this, I believe that teams could look at playing him some off the edge, as we’ve seen with the Cowboys and Micah Parsons.
