Travon Walker and other Jaguars who must step up vs. Eagles in Week 4

No. 1 Jaguars player who must shine vs. the Eagles: Devin Lloyd

For a hot minute, outside linebacker Travon Walker overshadowed fellow rookie Devin Lloyd. Of course, Walker was always going to get more attention by virtue of being the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft but then Lloyd missed a good chunk of training camp and most of the preseason with a hamstring injury.

Lloyd eventually returned and even started in the Jaguars’ last preseason contest and the season opener. However, the former Utah Ute didn’t look 100 percent and struggled while Walker logged the first sack and interception of his NFL career.

But oh boy have things changed since then, with Lloyd becoming a mainstay of the Jaguars’ defense. He earned the highest Pro Football Focus overall grade among rookies in Week 2 after registering three total tackles, two pass deflections, and the first interception of his pro career. He went on to have the same kind of impact against the Chargers in Week 3 and picked Justin Herbert.

While there’s plenty of time left in the season and things can take a sudden turn, Lloyd is a strong candidate to get the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2022. A strong outing in Philadelphia could solidify his case.