Several players failed to step up for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024, but many others came through when called upon. Defensive end Travon Walker was one of them. While the former Georgia Bulldog hasn't had the same impact as fellow pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, he's become a mainstay of the Jaguars defensive front. This is why Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus recently included him on a promising list.
Valentine discussed the most improved player for each NFL team and chose Walker for Jacksonville, pointing out that the first overall pick in the 2022 draft has become a well-rounded defender.
"Walker has quietly ascended in his third season in the NFL. He registered comparable pass-rushing numbers to a year ago, 56 pressures and 10 sacks, but his run defense really improved.
And that’s where the Jaguars really anticipated his improvement. He was drafted into the NFL with the idea that he could already be a force against the run thanks to his physical tools and discipline, but after two years of sub-60.0 run-defense grades, Walker registered a 69.2 grade in 2024, the highest of his career. If his improvement across the board continues, Walker could be one of the best every-down edge defenders in the league."
Since being drafted, Walker has been compared to Aidan Hutchinson, who went to the Detroit Lions one pick later. So far, Hutchinson has been the better of the two. In fact, he was a legitimate candidate for Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 before suffering tibia and fibula injuries that cut his season short. That said, Walker also had a fine campaign.
For starters, the Thomaston, Georgia native became the second Jaguars player ever to post 10 sacks or more in back-to-back seasons. Calais Campbell achieved the feat in 2017-2018. And as Valentine noted, he's also become a stout run defender.
When asked where he thinks he improved the most, Walker says that he had to adjust to opposing teams game-planning for him.
"Personally, this year was kind of a thing for me, just being able to play through the nudges and chips and things of that nature," Walker said after the season ended. "Obviously, I got the attention of the offense that drew one of a pass rusher, not saying this is going to be the easiest job or task to complete, but that was one of the things that, coming in from last year, I was in us a little bit nudged and then coming into this year, I kind of knew how to just adjust to it but it gave me a little trouble this year as well, but, but I definitely improved on it but I did some growth as well"
Regarding his second straight 10-sack season, Walker says it's something to be proud in what was overall a disappointing seson for the team.
"Nw is the time that I can reflect on it. Obviously, during the season, it's kind of hard to reflect on things like that, but we're at the end of the season. As I go through and take things through my mind, being consistent is my main thing. And if I can do that, I'll be around for a good long time."
Below is Travon Walker's full exit interview with the local media.
The Jaguars' patience with Travon Walker is payingg off
The Jacksonville Jaguars chose Travon Walker over Aidan Hutchinson because of his athletic traits. However, they knew that he was a developmental project, which is why they raised eyebrows when they drafted him first overall. After all, that's something you do with later-round picks, not a premium selection. Either way, the Jags are reaping the rewards of the decision.
One reason Walker got off to a slow start to his NFL career was that he made the switch from a three-point stance to stand-up linebacker in Jacksonville. Once he got acclimated to his new position, he showcased his talent.
Walker had once again lined with his hand on the ground when Ryan Nielsen became the defensive coordinator in 2024. While the defense struggled as a whole, the third-year pass rusher came through.
It's uncertain what kind of defense scheme the Jaguars will run next year, but Travon Walker showed in 2024 that he'll be ready. In fact, don't be surprised if he takes yet another step forward or has a breakout season.