Chargers 90-in-90: LB Damon Lloyd

Born and raised on the east coast, Damon Lloyd was an uber-productive linebacker at John Carrol High School where he was named the state’s Mr. Football as a senior. In back-to-back seasons to end his prep career, he led the state in tackles with 152 and 175, respectively. The two-time defensive captain also helped lead his team to a 12-0 record and a MIAA State Championship in 2015.

Lloyd’s success did not end there, however.

As a member of the IUP Red Hawks, Lloyd started three seasons and helped lead his squad to three playoff appearances, including a spot in the national semifinals and a conference title. Following his sophomore and senior seasons, he was named an All-American and earned the honor of being the PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Year.

At his pro day, Lloyd ran a 4.62 in the 40, went sub-7.00 in the three-cone drill, and did 21 reps on the bench press.

After failing to land an opportunity in the NFL, Lloyd signed with the Blues of The Spring League after the team selected them in the league’s annual draft.

Lloyd and three other Spring League alumni signed with the Chargers on June 18.

Basic Info

Height: 6’0
Weight: 230
College: University of Indiana, PA
Experience: 0
Years with team: 0

Contract Status

“Damon Lloyd signed a 3 year, $2,425,000 contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, including an average annual salary of $808,333. In 2021, Lloyd will earn a base salary of $660,000, while carrying a cap hit of $660,000.” - Spotrac.com

The Good

Lloyd was a productive linebacker at IUP where he was a leader of the defense for the majority of his career. Recording 122 tackles as a senior is nothing to scoff at en route to All-American honors. His natural nose for the ball is likely what piqued the interest of the Chargers and it’ll be interesting to see how he fares throughout the preseason in a fairly shallow position group.

The Bad

Like other small-school prospects, Lloyd didn’t have the same opportunities he would have had in a normal, non-pandemic stricken offseason. Due to the lack of time in front of NFL scouts, Lloyd did the best he could by landing in the Spring League where things obviously have worked out up to this point.

Odds of making the roster/What to expect in 2021?

Lloyd is at the bottom of the depth chart and I do not expect him to have a viable shot at making the 53-man roster. Crazy things happen all the time in the NFL, but he’d have to beat out Amen Ogbongbemiga and Cole Christiansen to make it happen.