Heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, what are the current projections for Devin Lloyd’s potential landing spots. How will teams value an off-the-ball linebacker among the other talent available in the first round? That decision will influence the landing spot for Lloyd this offseason.
NFL Draft Projections: Landing spots for Devin Lloyd
The last two NFL Drafts have not seen a traditional off-the-ball linebacker selected inside the top 10. However, in 2019, both Devin White and Devin Bush were selected inside the top 10. The general feeling from Lloyd’s scouting report is that he is not quite at the same level as those two were as prospects. Among PFN’s four NFL Draft analysts, only Cam Mellor has Lloyd inside the top 10 on his big board.
When it comes to PFN’s Consensus Big Board, Lloyd currently sits 15th, with his valuation ranging from sixth to 25th. Therefore, it would not be a surprise to see Lloyd slide inside the top 10, but equally, to see him selected in the mid-to-late first round would not be a huge surprise either. After Lloyd posted impressive stats in 2021, let’s take a look at which potential landing spots have a need at LB and some projections for where Lloyd could go in the 2022 NFL Draft.
New York Jets
The Jets have a few directions they could go with their selections in the first round. Selecting fourth and 10th, they will have the opportunity to address two of their major needs. Defensively, they could look to address any combination of safety, linebacker, cornerback, or pass rusher. Additionally, they could look to add a wide receiver for Zach Wilson with one of those picks.
If they do target filling the need at LB, it would most likely be at pick 10. Having two picks in the first round allows an element of selecting luxury, which some may view an off-the-ball linebacker as. Ultimately, how the board falls could determine if Lloyd is a Jet in 2022. If a player like Kyle Hamilton or Ahmad Gardner makes it to pick 10, the Jets might value that option more highly.
New York Giants
The other New York team also has a major need for a linebacker. Blake Martinez is a solid option. But outside of him, there are plenty of concerns. Tae Crowder, Reggie Ragland, Jaylon Smith, and Benardrick McKinney can all fill the hole next to Martinez. However, the addition of Lloyd would certainly present a long-term upgrade.
The Giants currently have the fifth and seventh overall selections. That might seem a little rich for Lloyd, and if he is their target, they could look to trade back with one of those selections. The question will be — who would look to move up? The most likely option is the Washington Commanders, but would the Giants hand their rivals a chance to draft their QB of the future? Ultimately, if Lloyd is the player the Giants covet, selecting him seventh makes sense, even if the value is not ideal.
Seattle Seahawks
We saw Seattle recently spend first-round draft capital on an inside linebacker. They surprised most onlookers by taking Jordyn Brooks at 27th overall in 2020. Therefore, with the release of Bobby Wagner, could they go hard at the position once again with Lloyd this year?
The main limiting factors and projection of the Seahawks taking Lloyd ninth in the 2022 NFL Draft are their other needs. After trading away Russell Wilson, QB is a major need. If the Seahawks like one of the top options available this year, they really need to use that ninth pick on him. Equally, they need to bolster their offensive line. Therefore, if one of Charles Cross, Ikem Ekwonu, or Evan Neal is available, that would represent the higher value at ninth overall.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have plenty of options sitting with two selections in the middle of the first round. Their three biggest needs are currently at cornerback, linebacker, and safety. Therefore, they should look to address one or two of those three needs with their two first-round selections.
Philadelphia added Kyzir White as a free agent, but other than him, there is no clear must-start option at linebacker. T.J. Edwards and Davion Taylor are both fine options, but Lloyd would have the chance to start over either of them in 2022. One other option for the Eagles would be to look at adding another first-round WR to work with DeVonta Smith. If so, the Eagles would have selected a WR in the first round three years running.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans are a little bit stuck in limbo when it comes to Lloyd. They certainly need to address the LB position, but they should not compromise their draft to address it with Lloyd. There is a slim chance Lloyd is still on the board at 26. However, the position’s value should not dictate the Titans needing to trade up into the middle of the first round.
The best bet for Tennessee is that the Jets, Giants, and Seahawks all feel top-10 selections are too high of a price for Lloyd. Then, realistically, the Eagles are the only team in the middle of the round with a pressing need at the position. The one team that could be a fly in the ointment is the Patriots at 21, but their priority should be bolstering their CB position.
