Of course, the hope and expectation is that the entire Jacksonville Jaguars defense will benefit from the addition of Anthony Campanile as the new defensive coordinator.
However, given Campanile’s coaching background and track record, one player in particular may really benefit from this hire: linebacker Devin Lloyd.
Lloyd is coming off a season where was a very sound tackler, making 106 of his 111 attempts, according to PFF, which resulted in him being a reliable run defender as well. Among eligible linebackers, Lloyd ranked ninth in run defense grade.
In coverage, that sound tackling ability helped Lloyd limit yards after the catch and he also recorded one pass breakup and an interception.
Campanile joins the Jaguars having been a linebackers coach in the NFL since the 2020 season. Those first four seasons came in Miami, and the most recent one in Green Bay.
Under Campanile’s guidance, we saw steady progression from the entire Packers’ linebacker room this past year.
Rookie Edgerrin Cooper was one of PFF’s highest-graded linebackers overall and was a two-time NFC Defensive Player of the Week, Decembers NFC Rookie of the Month, and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Fourth-year linebacker Quay Walker had arguably his best season and prior to a Week 15 ankle injury, was on a four game stretch where he ranked among the best at the linebacker position in pressures, yards per catch allowed, and run stops, according to PFF’s metrics.
With Campanile having such a diverse coaching background having operated in a variety of schemes, we don’t exactly know what his system in Jacksonville will look like.
But the on-field results from Campanile’s former players speak for itself and his ability to put the linebackers in a position to be successful each week.
In addition to that, having coached in different defensive schemes that include blitz heavy operations, the usage of simulated pressures, and an emphasis on disguising coverages, Lloyd can be a real chess piece and weapon in the middle of Campanile’s defense.
