Good start: Linebacker Devin Lloyd named NFL’s defensive rookie of the month

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It’s been a good start for Jacksonville’s first-round rookie draft picks.

Linebacker Devin Lloyd was named the NFL’s defensive rookie of the month on Thursday morning, keeping the Jaguars in the news among league awards. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors on Wednesday, the first time a Jaguars player has won that since 2010.

The Jaguars (2-1) visit the Eagles (3-0) on Sunday in a battle of division leaders.

Lloyd missed virtually all of training camp while battling a hamstring injury and only played in Jacksonville’s final preseason game in Atlanta. That absence hasn’t affected his regular season play. Lloyd has picked off passes Jacksonville’s last two games, both blowout wins. He has 24 tackles and six passes defensed.

The Jaguars traded back into the first round to select Lloyd 27th in the draft.

At No. 1, Jacksonville selected linebacker Travon Walker out of Georgia, who’s contributions have been significant, too. Walker has eight tackles, a sack and an interception.