Devin Lloyd yearns to be part of Panthers' proud linebacker family

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carolina Panthers inside linebacker Devin Lloyd wants to be part of the family.

A close member.

"There's a lineage of great linebacker play and that's special to be a part of," Lloyd told reporters after Sunday's NFL training camp practice.

The Panthers have a proud history at linebacker, highlighted by current GM Dan Morgan and Hall of Famer Luke Keuchly, who has passed down some of his legendary film-session techniques during recent sit-downs.

The linebacker tree wilted over the past decade. Last January, the reigning NFC South champions played in their first playoff game since 2017.

Enter Lloyd, aiming to seed a new generation.

"I want to just continue to do everything I can to be the best player I can be, best leader, best everything I can for this team to carry on that torch," he said.

Panthers' Devin Lloyd joins linebacker family

Slated to begin the regular season with the green dot on his helmet, indicating he'll be directing pre-snap adjustments, Lloyd started creating his free-agent legacy by studying all he could about his new team and community.

"For me, it's really just looking at the playbook, looking at the film, talking it out with the coaches," said Lloyd, who spent his first four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. "I think now I'm at a point where I kind of visualize it in a way where it all makes sense.

"So for me, I need the reps on the field. That's probably the most valuable thing. But I always tell some of the guys in the room, like the best way I learned early on was drawing on the board, drawing the offensive formation, drawing the defensive formation, and then drawing the play, everybody's assignments. I think that's one of the best ways to learn and I'll do that sometimes."

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Panthers coach Dave Canales said Lloyd embraced his leadership role early after signing a three-year, $42 million contract last offseason.

"From the time he got here," Canales said. "He's here to do it together with the guys and I know they can see that and he fits into a lot of the guys we have here and so, really, it was an immediate impact.

Over time, will Lloyd prove comparable to the likes of Kuechly, who played from 2012-19, Thomas Davis (2005-19), Jon Beason (2007-13), and Morgan (2001-07)?

All in the family.